Two suspects aged 34 and 35 were apprehended by Parkview police on 19 October after they were spotted by a garage owner after he allegedly recognised one as being a thief.
According to Parkview Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha, the owner had allegedly recognised one suspect from video footage of an incident of theft out of a motor vehicle which occurred in September just after 9am.
Ramovha explained that the footage shows a victim driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer pulling over at the fuel garage and goes into the shop. The suspect immediately gains entry into the victim’s vehicle and quickly gets out carrying what appears to be a bag. He then gets into a nearby getaway vehicle and drives off.
“It is believed the suspects were back to commit a similar offence when they were apprehended. The garage owner alerted the authorities as soon as he noticed the suspects,” he said.
He stressed that it is vital for community members to always double check if their vehicle is properly locked. He added that theft out of motor vehicles resulting from car jamming is prevalent throughout the area.
This phenomenon involves suspects monitoring motorists in parking lots, and as a motorist presses the lock button on their remote control, the thieves press their own remote which operates on the same frequency. The signal gets jammed, as a result, which prevents the car from locking.
The two suspects have since appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court to face charges of theft out of a motor vehicle. They were remanded in custody pending investigations.
Details: Parkview Police Station 011 486 5000.
