Theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles has seen an increase in the Parktown North, Greenside and Parkhurst areas.
This is according to Parkview Police Station’s spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko. “We, as the police, are pleading with vehicle owners to ensure that car windows and doors are properly closed and locked. During patrols, the police have observed that most of the vehicles have been left with valuable items unattended.”
The Visible Police commander of Parkview Police Station, Lieutenant Colonel Sandile Mkhize told the Gazette he is concerned by vehicle owners who leave jewellery, laptops, cellphones, wallets and handbags unattended as it gives the criminals the perfect opportunity to break into their cars.
Read Increase in theft out of cars in Parkhurst
He also warned motorists to check the area where they parked their vehicles. Mkhize asked that motorists make sure that the area is well lit.
Preventative measures are:
- Never leave valuables such as jewellery, laptops, cellphones and handbags unattended – it is important to keep valuable items out of sight
- Never leave your car unlocked, even for a few minutes
- Make sure that windows and doors are properly closed and locked
- Make sure that your vehicle has an audible alarm which activates as soon as the door or window is opened or broken
- The quicker a stolen vehicle is reported the better the chances are of it being recovered
- Always make every effort to park behind a locked gate
- Avoid parking the vehicle on the street or in the driveway.
