On 4 January at about 1.30pm, unknown suspects stole property to the value of about R10 000 from a car that was parked at Carlswarld Lifestyle shopping centre.
Midrand police communications officer Constable Matome Tlamela said, “According to the complainant, she parked her vehicle in the parking lot and went inside the mall to do shopping, the vehicle was properly locked.”
As the complainant was driving home she noticed that her handbag was missing. Sunglasses, bank cards, shopping cards and money were also missing. The case was reported and the police are investigating.
Another theft out of a motor vehicle, where force was not used, occurred in the parking lot of Noordwyk shopping centre on 6 January at around 5pm.
Tlamela said, “The complainant said he parked his car in the parking lot to go into the internet cafe and upon his return to the vehicle he noticed that his laptop, bank card, medical aid card and some important documents were stolen from the vehicle. The value of the stolen items is estimated at R26 000.” Midrand police are investigating a case of theft out of a motor vehicle and are hoping to bring the suspect to book.
Midrand police also issued the following safety awareness tips:
- Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition before you embark on a journey.
- Ensure that you always have sufficient fuel
- Always lock the doors and keep the windows closed
- Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute
- Avoid stopping in remote places
- Park your vehicle in areas that are well lit
- If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide – 5cm is enough to have a discussion
- If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather seem rude and drive away
- Limit your trips at night, or at least take someone with you
- Vary the route you travel to work and back if possible
- If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or hoot to attract attention
- If strangers loiter near your driveway, rather drive passed. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
- Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car
- If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help
- If forced out of the car, do not reach for your purse or valuables – just leave everything behind
- Your life is more valuable than your possessions. Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon. Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away
- A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime
- Do not give strangers a lift
- A gear lock is an affordable and very effective anti-theft device
- If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if anyone is following you into the garage
- Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.
