SAPS urges motorists to be ‘vehicle safe’ this holiday

Theft out of vehicles is expected to rise, particularly over the festive season.

The SAPS Newcastle Corporate Communications Department has issued an awareness statement centred on vehicle safety and how to prevent this kind of crime, heading into the busy holiday season.

“Ensure your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey. Ensure the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel and always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed. Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute and avoid stopping at remote places. Park your vehicle in places which are well lit and if a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide. Only five centimetres is enough to have a discussion. If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers; rather be rude and drive away. Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you. Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible.”

SAPS Newcastle Corporate Communication Officer, Captain Jabulani Ncube added valuables should be hidden from passersby:

“Valuables in your car should not be in plain sight because that’s how you attract criminals. They can break your car window just to get the valuables. Women must keep their handbags locked in the boot.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in KZN earlier in the month released a statement to sister publication, the NKZN Courier, about a hijacking trend which has hit NKZN.

“It is alleged syndicates are targeting business owners, who will receive a call from a member of the gang requesting a call-out for a quotation. On arrival, the victims are directed to a remote area by a member of the gang. Once they arrive at the remote location, they are attacked by armed men. The victims are usually robbed at gunpoint of their belongings and their vehicle. The location of the robberies is usually far from a main road or police station, which means the victim takes hours to get helped.

“In many instances, the vehicle is across the border before it can be traced. Business owners are advised that should they get a call-out for any form of service in remote areas, they should rather arrange to meet their clients at the nearest police station.”

Motorists have also been warned that carjackers may stage a minor accident, so they can approach your car. It is advised that 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. SAPS Newcastle further stated:

“Leave everything behind if forced from the car; 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 and do not give strangers a lift. A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device. If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage. Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.”

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