SAPS Nigel have warned that recent crime patterns show theft from motor vehicles is on the increase – especially theft of mag wheels and tyres.
According to SAPS Nigel spokesperson Sgt Nellie Dwaba, more incidents have been reported where mag wheels have been stolen off vehicles including cars, bakkies and sport utility vehicles.
Most incidents occur late at night or early in the morning while vehicle owners are asleep.
“Owners must ensure that their vehicles are behind lock and key during the night and residents should remain vigilant and call the police when they see or hear anything suspect,” Sgt Dwaba said.
She warned that with the festive season approaching, criminals are on the lookout for easy opportunities that are sometimes created by negligent or reckless residents.
Sgt Dwaba shared the following tips with motor vehicle owners:
* join your local neighbourhoodwatch; park your vehicle in a closed garage and well-lit area; if you have to park in the street, park close to the kerb or any other solid structure as jacking up a vehicle to remove its wheels, requires space; consider purchasing wheel locks or nut locks; install perimeter or beam alarms and do not ignore barking dogs. Dogs hear thieves long before you do.
For any crime emergency, phone SAPS Nigel on 011 812 6503/5 or the relevant sector number as listed below:
* Sector 1 (from The Angelo Mall to Eeufees Avenue) – sector manager: W/O Justin Sherwood – 082 778 9040;
* Sector 2 (from Scarborough/Eeufees to Laversburg)-sector manager: W/O J Janse van Rensburg – 082 774 9827;
* Sector 3 (Jameson Park, Pretoriusstad, Vorsterskroon, Hallgate Plots and Groenfontein farming district) – sector manager: W/O Bez Bezuidenhout – 082 787 2901.
