Residents have raised concern over the alarming high rate at which VW Polo vehicles are stolen in some parts of the Honeydew policing precinct. Allen’s Nek resident*, who is body corporate member at one of the townhouse complexes, said at their complex alone, three VW Polo vehicles have been stolen since the beginning of June.
The source said he believed that the syndicate was targeting different VW vehicle makes. “On one occasion, shortly after a VW Polo was stolen from our complex, while police were busy taking down a statement from our guard, the suspects stole another VW Polo GTI from a complex across the road from ours,” explained the source.
The source also added that all the vehicles that were stolen from their complex had tracking devices but the devices were all removed shortly after being stolen.
According to the source, members of the syndicate behind the vehicle thefts are driving a white Honda Ballade and sometimes drive a white BMW or Almera. “Unfortunately, the registration numbers are not clear from our CCTV footage,” added the source.
The source also pointed out that the alleged criminals are determined to pursue with their agenda. “The other day when they stole a vehicle from our complex there was loadshedding, so they actually lifted the gate motor to gain access and they also ripped off the camera system,” said the source.
Chairperson of the Honeydew Community Police Forum (CPF) Tony Botes confirmed that vehicle theft and theft out of motor vehicle were currently on a rise and added that the police were working around the clock to crack the syndicate. “We are seeing an increase in the theft of different makes of Toyota and VW vehicles,” said Botes. He urged residents to be extra vigilant at all times whether they are at home, on the road or at shopping centres. On a positive note, Botes shared that smash-and-grabs were successfully being dealt with in the Honeydew policing precinct. “We have the help of security companies who are manning the identified hotspots and this is assisting a lot in fighting this crime as we are now seeing a decrease,” concluded Botes.
*Name of the source known but withheld because of fear of victimasation.
