A PRONOUNCED increase in vehicle-related crimes in the Wentworth SAPS policing area has police concerned.
According to communications officer, Lieutenant M Gumede, thefts of and from motor vehicles is on the increase, especially in Merebank.
He said criminals are targeting cars parked outside premises and on pavements.
Theft off of or out of cars has become a major problem in the High Ridge area in Merebank, even inside premises, with mag rims, tyres, vehicle emblems, radios, CD players and other valuable items taken at night or in the early hours of the morning.
With that in mind, Wentworth SAPS has provided the following safety guidelines:
- Never leave your car idling while unattended.
- Always lock car doors when parked.
- Always activate your alarm system and check it has been properly activated before walking away as signal jammers might be operating in the area.
- Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership titles or credit cards in your vehicle.
- Never jump out of an idling vehicle to open gates. Rather request a passenger or someone at home to do so.
- Park your car inside the premises behind the locked gate, rather than on the verge at night.
- Invest in a vehicle theft tracking system. This will assist police to track your vehicle if stolen.
- Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel.
- Memorise your vehicle number plate. The police will need this information to circulate details of your car.
“The police have step up patrols at night and would like to appeal to the residents to safeguard their property and adhere to these tips, and also supply information of suspicious vehicles in these areas,” said Lt Gumede.
Call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111, the Flying Squad on 10111 or Wentworth SAPS on 031-451-6240/1/2.
