Vehicle thefts and alleged joy riding is some of the few crimes Witbank SAPS got in the last week. Two Toyota Corollas were stolen a few days apart. One was in Beatty Avenue on August 17 and another in Mandela Street in the Central Business District (CBD) a few days later on August 20 which may or may not be connected crimes.
These crimes are usually committed by vehicle theft syndicates and sold off for parts if they are not used to commit other crimes according to Capt Eddie Hall from the Witbank SAPS. He also suggested that these vehicles are being targeted because they are easier to break into than newer models with alarm systems.
In rare cases the motivation seem more reckless such as a case that was reported on August 20 were it is alleged that a bakkie was stolen out of a driveway and then the suspect crashed it a few kilometres away. The suspect was believed to be doing contract work for the vehicle owner at his home, although the victim could not be reached for comment.
The police are looking into the vehicle thefts in the CBD. Both cases occurred under similar conditions. Both victims were away from their vehicles for several hours and both crimes were committed in the same area. Both vehicles were Toyotas Corollas. In the incident on August 17 the victim alleged that she also had many valuables such as a GPS and handbag in her car when it was stolen.
“All the vehicles that were stolen this week are older models and the community must take note of that,” said Capt Hall
He also suggested putting in additional security devices such as a steering lock for example. Crimestats SA states that around 600 thefts of motor vehicle cases were reported for 2015 which includes Ogies, Kriel, Vosman and Witbank SAPS precincts.
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