Thief poses as potential car buyer
A secondhand car dealership in Voortrekker Road recently became the victim of a potential car buyer scam, when an alleged client stole a vehicle from the business's premises.
One of the business partners, a 45-year-old who would rather stay anonymous, told the Herald that a potential car buyer was interested in a green Volkswagen Golf.
“He asked me if he could see the interior of the car; after the inspection he seemed impressed and asked if he could take it on a test drive, to which I agreed,” said the partner.
The buyer started the car, as the businessman was about to open the passenger door, and sped off.
Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, warned car dealers to be vigilant when dealing with a potential buyer.
“Car dealers should first ask for the potential buyer’s licence if they want to take a vehicle on a test drive,” he said.
“A copy of the licence should be made and kept in the office.”
Joubert added that car dealers should never leave keys in the ignition of vehicles on their premises.
A case of vehicle theft was reported at the Brakpan Police Station and the matter is currently being investigated.
