Criminals targeting VW Polos and Toyotas

DURBAN North SAPS has warned VW Polo and Toyota Hilux and Fortuner owners to be vigilant and extra cautious where they park their cars. This comes after a spike in the number of car thefts in the Durban North area in the past week. According to Lt Raymond Deokaran, the number of car thefts began increasing last week with a total of six cases being reported.

“We believe a syndicate may be operating in the area. We’ve seen a number of cases from Durban North to uMhlanga. Most of the cases of theft have been reported outside residents’ homes. Two years ago, a syndicate began targeting Toyota Fortuners in particular. They had uncovered a way to clip the alarm wire, thus disarming the car, making it easier to steal.

“I urge residents, if they can, to park their cars in their garages or behind locked gates as leaving them on the street is dangerous. We are monitoring the area and are looking for two vehicles we believe are used during the thefts,” Deokaran said.

Tyron Powell of Marshall Security said his patrol officers had been involved in a high-speed chase involving one of the suspicious vehicles.

“On Tuesday night last week, two vehicles were stolen from the same complex near the Hypermarket. One of our guards spotted two suspicious vehicles. However, the moment we approached the suspects split up and drove off at high speed. We eventually lost the vehicle in KwaMashu. As far we are aware, both vehicles stolen from the complex were not fitted with tracking devices.

“We’ve also noticed an increase in car thefts, particularly of VW Polos and Golfs, as well as Toyota Hiluxes and Fortuners. We have already recovered one bakkie, which was stolen in Newlands. We recovered the vehicle in Umzinyathi. One of the deterrents is to use an outdoor beam around your car, which is a very effective way to combat car theft,” he said.

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