A few drivers will not be enjoying the festive cheer as thieves have stolen their rides.
Mr Hydent Dikiza is one of the car theft victims who lost his vehicle last week, when thieves made quick work of stealing it without arousing suspicion. According to Dikiza he had parked his vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, at Highland Mews on Friday, December 5 at around 19:19.
“I went in to get pizza. It took about 20 minutes.”
To Dikiza’s shock he discovered an empty space where his vehicle was parked, once he returned from the store. He asked around whether anyone had seen the suspects who took his vehicle and was allegedly told by other drivers, that they only saw the vehicle reversing swiftly before driving off into a one-way lane, in the opposite direction.
The Hyundai Elantra, registration HJK 266 MP, has been missing since.
Mr Sebotsa Moloy also reported a stolen vehicle on Friday when his company’s truck was stolen near the Blackhill/Ogies road. Moloy said that the doors were locked and windows closed before he left the truck. Police are still looking for the Nissan Diesel, with registration BT 38 HB GP.
Spokesperson for Witbank SAPS, Sergeant David Ratau, warned that theft of- and out of motor vehicles is increasing again. “Especially during the festive season. We warn the community again to not leave valuables in their vehicles.”
Ratau said that there will always be a pattern to indicate which vehicles are targeted the most by thieves.
“We know that there is a market for Volkswagen and older model vehicles.” Ratau said that once thieves discover it’s easy to steal a certain type or model they will continue to target those vehicles.
Last month 23 vehicles and three motorbikes were reported stolen at Witbank Police Station and since the start of December four vehicles had already been reported as stolen.
