This electronic device is used by criminals to jam the remote locking systems on cars.
It is believed that the men are involved in the spate of theft from motor vehicles in the city.
According to the arresting officer, Capt Bafana Mazibuko, police received a tip-off on on April 10, about the suspicious-looking three men in a metallic gold Toyota Tazz, parked at the Corner of King Fisher Avenue and Trichardts Road.
“After being tipped off about the suspects, we then rushed to the spot. When the suspects were searched, a computer laptop and a jamming device were found in their possession,” explains Mazibuko.
The three men aged 32, 33 and 36 were arrested and taken to the Boksburg police station.
Mazibuko says the suspects had been positively linked to other property crimes.
Further investigation revealed that the laptop found in their possession was stolen from a house in Alberton, during a house break-in.
The men appeared briefly in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 14, for bail application.
The bail hearing was postponed for further investigation, and the suspects were remanded in custody until further notice, according to a police spokesperson, Lieut Mathanda Ngobese.
According to Ngobese, jamming involves blocking key-fob central locking devices by using the confiscated device together with a remote.
“It is believed that these remotes are set to the same frequency as the motor vehicles’ remotes, which then jam the vehicle’s remote control frequencies, preventing the electronic central locking system from operating successfully,” explains Ngoese.
The remote controls reportedly interfere with a vehicle’s remote control if both are used at the same time.
“It is alleged that the thieves watch someone arrive and once they are out of the vehicle press their remote and hold it down, jamming the remote control locking mechanism of the vehicle.
“When the owner attempts to ‘lock’ their vehicle, the signal is jammed and the vehicle remains unlocked as the driver walks away,” says Ngobese.
Ngobese says he together with his colleagues tested the device on a vehicle and proved how effective it is.
Ngobese confirms that Boksburg has been experiencing a drastic increase in theft out of motor vehicles, where jamming devices may have been used.
“The arrest could be a breakthrough in the number of theft from motor vehicle and motor vehicle theft cases in the area. However, I would also like to remind people to always check that their doors are locked,” says Ngobese.
