PLANS to create solar applications were halted for a New Germany couple when they became the latest victims of remote jamming. Six batteries were stolen from the boot of their car when they stopped to buy food.
Noreen Perryman, who is now encouraging residents to report similar incidents if they were affected, said, “Last Tuesday, my partner and I collected six Royal calcium batteries from a friend in St Lucia that were going to be used for solar applications. On our way home, we stopped to buy thai takeout from a food outlet at Paradise Junction, Sarnia.
“We were in the shop for between 15 and 20 minutes. When we returned to the car, I asked my partner if he had locked the car. He said yes, he already unlocked it with the remote. When we got home and opened the boot, we discovered the batteries were gone. We then realised that we must have been victims of remote jamming at the centre and robbed while waiting for our food.
“The batteries are special alloyed-calcium-lead batteries and weigh about 11kg, so we suspect there must have been more than one robber. When we reported the case, we were told by police that they have received complaints about similar incidents in this area as well as Pinetown. At first we were not going to report it, but then realised that is not helping the police if they are not aware of it.”
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Constable Phindile Radebe, said, “We recently handed out pamphlets to sensitise the community that remote jamming is rife in the area. The most important hint is to make sure your motor vehicle is properly locked before leaving by physically checking the doors.
“Do not leave expensive items such as laptops, cellphones, bags, and cash visible on your car seats. Lock them in the boot. Be aware of your surroundings as criminals are waiting to strike. Let us work together to fight crime.”
