High-end SUVs and their wheels are targeted by criminals
Beagle Watch reminds residents to ensure their vehicles are locked and parked in a well-lit area to lessen the likelihood of theft.
Theft of high-end vehicles and SUVs, especially Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, in the Northcliff Melville Times footprint continues to run rampant.
This is according to Beagle Watch Armed Response’s managing director Andre Aiton. “We have received reports of 36 such incidents of theft or attempted theft this year alone,” he said.
“Melville, Northcliff and Fairland are the most affected areas, with Melville being the highest hit. One must bear in mind that these cases are only ones that have been reported to Beagle Watch. Often, vehicle thefts are only reported to the CPF and not through our call centre, which skews the numbers.”
However, Fairland police spokesperson Sergeant Michael Kgatla has indicated that although this has been a problem in the past in the Fairland precinct, cases have reduced in recent months. “We had a problem with the theft of SUVs, especially Toyota Hilux and Fortuner vehicles, but cases have reduced. We have tackled this and are working with local security companies to target hotspots where they are being stolen. We are continuing to monitor the situation but it has been a couple of months since we had an SUV theft reported to us.”
Schools and shopping malls, they both agree, were the most likely places for these vehicles to be stolen from.
Aiton said the wheels of high-end SUVs were also popular with criminals. “We have had several cases where the wheels were removed overnight.”
He recommended only parking in well-lit areas, preferably inside the premises wherever possible, removing visible valuables in the vehicle and physically checking that doors have been locked before leaving.
“Consider adding an old-fashioned steering lock to safeguard your vehicle and install a tracker if possible to locate your car in the event it is stolen.”
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Fairland CPF reports crime remains low in precinct in March public meeting
