Since the start of April, Linden Police Station has seen a notable increase in the number of car-related cases being reported.
Cases such as theft of a motor vehicle, theft out of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle, and theft of motorcycles are being investigated by the station.
According to the station’s Captain Takalani Sibiya, in most cases, the owner of the vehicle parked the vehicle and left without checking whether the windows were properly closed or if their doors were locked. “It is very important to check if the car is locked properly because criminals are always checking on you when you park your car.”
She also said it is important not to place precious valuables such as laptops, bags, cell phones and wallets in places they can easily be noticed. Sibiya attributed this to reasons why peoples’ windows are being damaged, as this is how criminals gain access to these valuables left on car seats.
In one reported theft of motor vehicle case being investigated, the victim described to the station that they had parked their vehicle at their home one evening and made sure their gate was locked. The next morning, they allegedly found the car standing on bricks as all four of its wheels were stolen.
In a separate case, a victim claimed they had parked their vehicle under a carport inside their complex. A neighbour alerted them not only to the broken glass present but that there was no car where they usually parked. The victim went down to the carport to check and found their car was gone and that the complex gate was left wide open.
In another case, the theft of a motorcycle, the victim claimed they parked the vehicle, which is valued at about R18 000, in their residence’s uncovered parking lot one evening when a suspect is alleged to have gained access onto the property by forcing the gate open. The victim found the vehicle gone the next morning.
Here are some safety tips:
- Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the car.
- Do not leave your handbag/briefcase visible in the car.
- Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
- Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the car.
- Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.
- Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.
- Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/someone patrolling are best, otherwise, try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
