Car jammers are always on the lookout for an opportunity to jam cars in public parking areas in order to steal valuable items inside their victim’s vehicles.
Security company CSS Tactical’s Melville area manager, Sonnyboy Masuku, was adamant that if residents, security companies, and police work together, this crime can be minimised.
“Suspects usually sit in their vehicles at the parking lot with remotes. They then wait for victims to park and lock their cars,” explained Masuku.
“When you try to lock your car, it will respond like it has been locked, but when you check and pull one of your doors you will notice that it is not locked. So we advise residents to check if their cars are actually locked after pressing the remotes,” he said.
CSS Tactical established that car jamming was common in the Melville business area and it seems that it isn’t going to stop anytime soon.
“Business owners must hire registered security guards to secure their clients’ cars,” said Masuku. He explained that car guards are easily trapped by criminals when they tip them R5, R10 or R20.
He stressed the fact that some of the guards were easily tempted and could be promised money by criminals. “If you need a private guard, do background checks and get all the credentials,” he advised.
According to CSS Tactical, incidents of theft out of motor vehicles and theft of vehicles have been reported, especially along 7th Street in Melville.
Brixton Police spokesperson Jeanette Backhoff confirmed incidents of car jamming in Melville. “Most of the items stolen out of the vehicles are laptops and cell phones,” she said.
She urged residents to refrain from leaving valuable items in the open in their vehicles.
“This problem can be prevented if members of the public are more aware of their surroundings. Check who is guarding the vehicle and don’t leave valuables in the vehicles,” she explained.
She further warned that if motorists use a remote to lock the vehicle, they should make sure the vehicle is locked by hand before they leave.
“Brixton Sector Managers are making car guards and the community aware of what to look out for. Meetings are held with security companies in the area every Wednesdays and regular patrols are done,” she concluded.
Details: Brixton Police, 011 248 5513.
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