Incidents of theft from motor vehicles, as well as of motor vehicles, remain a challenge, with SAPS encouraging motorists to follow precautionary steps, particularly when visiting public areas, shopping centres or unfamiliar places.
Keep yourself and your car safe
• Avoid stopping at remote places and park your vehicle in areas that are well lit.
• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, open the window only 5cm to have a discussion. If something seems suspicious, rather be rude and drive away.
• If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
• Be aware of people informing you that you have a flat tyre – this could be a distraction to steal items inside the car or hijack you.
• Car jackers are known to stage a minor accident so they can approach your car. If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable, drive to the nearest police station for help.
• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime but never give strangers a lift.
• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage. Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.
• Vary the route you travel to work and back, if possible.
• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you. Keep valuables safe
• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
• A gear lock is an affordable and effective anti-theft device.
• Do not leave your firearm in the glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!).
• Valuable items should be placed in the boot of your car.
• Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
• Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.
The new telephone number for Richards Bay police station is 031 3256446/7.
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