Motor vehicle theft is still rife in Garsfontein – CPF

Garsfontein precinct is still plagued by motor-vehicle-related crime such as theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motor, and motorcycle theft.

A crime analyst and Garsfontein CPF chairperson Chris de Kock confirmed this.

De Kock said although crime numbers on categories such as theft out of motor vehicle and residential breakings are the same this 2023/24 financial year compared to 2022/23, they had some challenges with those crimes.

Motor vehicle theft cases in the Garsfontein precinct are standing at 269 compared to 236 in 2022/23, a 14% increase.

According to De Kock, shopping malls, fuel stations and doctors’ rooms without car guards are the hotspots.

“I cannot mention the businesses by name due to fear of victimisation but I encourage residents to be vigilant in malls and fuel stations.”

Toyota bakkies, SUVs, VW Polos and Ford Rangers are some of the most targeted motor vehicle brands.

De Kock said motor vehicle theft is a huge problem due to the massive underground market.

“Motor vehicle theft is an organised crime. Even if the CPF, police and private security companies co-ordinate and show visibility, the thieves will still find a way to steal cars due to the influence of the market.”

He said motor vehicle theft is dependent on the market. As long as there’s a major market, motor vehicle theft will still grow.

According to De Kock, there are daily reports of a stolen motor vehicle in Garsfontein.

“More than five cases are reported a week of theft of motor vehicle,” he said.

De Kock said theft out of motor is very prevalent in Garsfontein as well.

He said one hotspot for smash and grabs is the corner of Garsfontein street and De Villebois Mareuil Drive.

“It is not far from Woodlands shopping centre. I think it is a hotspot because of the bushes. They smash, grab and run into the dense bushes.”

He said the Garsfontein precinct has experienced a decrease in residential burglaries, and violent crime is also much lower, but he encouraged the elderly to be careful of scams.

“Elders are still targeted and scammed for their monies online. Elders must not give out banking details and Pins to anyone.”

He encouraged people to park in well-lit areas when visiting a hairdresser, vet, or doctor.

“Parking anywhere puts a target on your back,” he said.

He said the only way to decrease crime in Garsfontein is for every member of the community to become the eyes and ears of ploice and say something when they see suspicious activity.

In the 2023/24 third quarter crime stats, Garsfontein reported a 25.8% increase in motorcycle theft.

The stats show that there’s a 10% increase in theft out of motor vehicles at 88 cases compared to 78 in the previous quarter.

ALSO READ: Police recover stolen vehicle near Groblersdal

HOW TO PREVENT THEFT FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE

Theft from a motor vehicle typically occurs in three situations, namely:
– Parked Vehicle: Items are visible from the outside, and the window is smashed, or the door lock broken or picked.
– Central Locking System Blockage: A jamming device blocks the vehicle’s central locking system as the owner locks it and walks away.
– Smash and Grab: A car stops at a busy four-way stop or traffic light, and items in the cabin are easily seen. A spark plug, stone, or bolt is hurled through a side window, and items are snatched from the passenger or rear seats or the console.

Valuables such as cellphones, laptops/tablets, and handbags must be securely placed in the vehicle’s trunk (boot).
No item should be visible from the outside.
Essential items required at the next destination can be discreetly stored in the cabin, hidden under seats, indoor storage compartments, or closed consoles.

Safe parking practices:
– Always park in a secure area.
– Visible security guards and car guards.
– Establish a friendly relationship with security personnel and provide them with reasonable tips for their assistance.

Securing the vehicle:
– Before engaging in other activities, ensure your vehicle is locked, especially due to the rising use of jamming devices by thieves.
– Manually verify that the doors are locked after using a remote.
– For newer luxury vehicles, ensure someone manually checks the doors are locked after you have moved away with the key.

Preventing “Scout” Theft:
– At busy crossings like traffic lights and stop signs, theft often occurs facilitated by “scouts” signalling hidden accomplices.
– To prevent this, store all valuables in the trunk or hide necessary items within the cabin (under seats or indoor compartments).

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