Many shoppers return to their vehicle from a shopping spree to find their belongings have been stolen out of their car.
Boksburg North SAPS has issued a strong warning for the public to be aware of this increasing trend.
Tayla Smit, a journalist at the Boksburg Advertiser, also recently fell victim to theft out of motor vehicle at East Point Shopping Centre.
“I parked my car and went to the gym. I made sure my car was locked and the windows were closed. When I came back I noticed my boot lock had been tampered with and my work laptop was missing,” she explained.
A theft out of motor vehicle case was opened at Boksburg North SAPS.
According to Boksburg North SAPS station commander Colonel Mack Mngomezulu, theft out of motor vehicle cases at shopping centres are on the rise with them opening at least four cases a week at the station.
“In most cases, valuables such as cellphones and laptops are stolen and the car doors have been forced open or remote jamming devices used,” he said.
He said they will increase police visibility at shopping centres this festive season and are working closely with the EMPD and other stakeholders to curb this trend.
“We did arrest three suspects for theft out of motor vehicle in the vicinity of North Rand Road a few weeks ago. They may be linked to other cases,” explained Mngomezulu.
The station commander provided the following tips for shoppers:
• Take note of your surroundings and always be alert.
• Don’t let valuables be visible, rather put these in the boot.
• Always double check if your vehicle is locked.
Vigilance
The Advertiser visited three local shopping centres to observe if shoppers are vigilant and paying attention to their surroundings.
Apart from a few shoppers who double-checked their car doors, most people seemed to be in a hurry and did not take note of what was happening around them or ensure their car is locked. Many locked the car with its remote and walked away.
The Advertiser also approached three local shopping centres for comment.
East Point Shopping Centre responded by saying shoppers’ safety is of utmost priority.
“It is unfortunate that during times of economic turbulence, as we are currently experiencing, incidences of theft and crime do increase. It is not unique to East Point Shopping Centre but is prevalent at most centres,” said management in a statement.
“Crime affects our valued customers, as well as our own employees and tenants, hence we do all in our power to ensure safety and security and to reduce the impact of crime on shoppers.
“Centre management meets with the Boksburg North SAPS on a monthly basis to ensure that we are aware of crime trends in and around our centre.
“We have signage in place to advise our shoppers to always be vigilant and careful with their personal belongings – either in their vehicles or on their person.
“For obvious reasons, we cannot provide specific details of the security measures we have in place, however, these measures are continuously being monitored and improved upon, including an increase in security presence and technological advancements to help in the fight against crime.
“East Point Shopping Centre’s main priority is safeguarding our shoppers and tenants.”
Comment from the other shopping centres will be added as soon as received.
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