THE non-functioning of streetlights in Yellowwood Park has been identified as the major problem contributing to the ongoing vehicle tyre and wheel theft in the neighbourhood.
In recent separate incidents, two cars were broken into, and tyres and rims were stripped off – leaving the cars perched on bricks. The incidents happened on two consecutive days last week.
The first incident happened in Penguin Walk at about 20:30, where unknown thieves removed all four tyres from a Hyundai i10 parked at the victim’s home on September 15. The following day, another car, on the same street, was broken into, and four wheels were removed.
Also read: Tragic death of elderly woman in devastating house fire grips Yellowwood Park residents
In another incident, a bakkie parked on the same street in Yellowwood Park was broken into, and the tyres were removed. The perpetrators have not been caught, however, police in Montclair have opened two cases of ‘theft from motor vehicles’.
Media liaison officer for Blue Security Shelli Lawson said that tyre and rim theft has become a common crime that causes major inconvenience for vehicle owners.
“Whether parked outside your home or in a public space, having your tyres and rims stolen not only means an unexpected expense but also leaves your vehicle immobile until repairs are made. While thieves sell the rims for a fraction of their value, victims face a much larger financial burden,” said Lawson.
According to Sheldon Locke, Blue Security’s community manager, preventing tyre and rim theft is about being proactive.
Safety tips to help secure your vehicle:
• Park in well-lit areas or secure parking zones to deter thieves.
• Use wheel locks that require a specific key, making it more difficult for criminals to remove your rims.
• Install a car alarm system that is sensitive to any tampering with your tyres or vehicle.
• Consider CCTV cameras for driveways or parking spaces to provide an added layer of deterrence.
• Install beams around your property.
Chairperson of the Montclair Community Police Forum Rave Naidoo said that non-functioning streetlights contribute to the increase in crime.
“Criminals use this opportunity to strike nearby homes. During our foot patrols, we have also discovered that some of the houses lack proper lighting. The homes in Linnet and Sandpiper roads have inadequate lighting at night, which contributes to crime,” said Naidoo.
He appealed to the public to upgrade their security systems to prevent intruders from easily gaining access to their homes.
He also urged residents to join street patrol groups in their communities. To join the street patrol, call or WhatsApp Rave Naidoo on 084 461 4732.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
