Theft of motor vehicles is one of the problematic crimes in the area of Amanzimtoti. As a result, communications officer of Amanzimtoti SAPS, Captain Charlene Van Der Spuy urges motorists and the public to safeguard their vehicles.
Furthermore, investigations have revealed that there is no specific make of vehicles that is being targeted and time of day varies.
“Motorists are therefore urged to work together with the police through structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF), Armed Response Units and Neighbourhood Watch groups to bring down the level of this crime among others,” she said.
The following safety tips should be used as part of preventative measures:
- Exercise caution at parking areas and report unknown and suspicious persons or motor vehicles to the police.
- Avoid leaving or parking vehicles for a long time in areas or streets that are not well lit.
- Ensure that all vehicles and motor bikes are locked and safely parked inside premises.
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
- If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, backing into your driveway will also make it more difficult for a thief to tow it away.
- Garage your vehicle if you have one and always remember to lock the garage door.
- Do not leave the registration or title in your vehicle.
- Always use your emergency brake when parking, which ensures safety and also makes it difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle away.
- Etch your vehicle’s identification number on car windows and major parts. This procedure makes vehicles and parts more easily traceable when stolen or make use of the latest data dot technology.
- Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period of time.
- Engrave expensive accessories like car stereos, cellular phones, compact disc changers, external speakers so that the thief will have difficulty disposing of them.
- Drop business cards, address labels or other identification inside vehicle doors to help assist law enforcement in identifying your vehicle or parts.
- Replace easily accessible door lock assemblies.
- Install an anti-theft device or system on your vehicle as an extra deterrent measure.
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