ADT Security has issued a warning to all motorists as the police report another spike in theft of motor vehicles, specifically in the Northern suburbs.
The Douglasdale and Fourways areas have seen a theft of motor vehicles increase of 31 per cent, and in Midrand, 26 per cent for the last two weeks. Vehicles left at shopping malls are the highest risk.
The growing use of remote jamming to block or jam the locking device of motor vehicles has, unfortunately, become an everyday occurrence in South Africa and is contributing to the current spike.
Read Security company shares crime prevention tips for a safer community
Community development manager at ADT, Linda Reeder said, “It is so quick that detection is extremely difficult and the perpetrators have often left the premises before they can be apprehended.”
Over the last month, ADT has successfully installed anti-jamming devices in some hotspots in Rivonia and Randburg. Reeder explained, “The device is mounted on the wall and detects when someone is within a 100- to 170-m range and using a jamming device.
“When a device is detected a siren goes off which alerts a designated person that there is a potential jamming device in usage. This person will then warn all parents or shoppers in the area to check their cars.”
The system is perfect for schools, businesses, shopping malls and petrol garages – basically any area with a parking arcade, parking lot or where people leave their cars.
ADT offers motorists the following tips:
- Always be aware of your surroundings; this applies to any public parking area or even if you park on the road outside a property
- Report any suspicious activity
- Do not leave valuables in an unattended vehicle
- Never push the remote lock while walking away from the vehicle
- Check that the vehicle is locked by testing the door
- Ensure the boot is locked.
If you have been a victim of car theft, tell us your story on WhatsApp 079 439 5345.
