SAPS warns about increase in vehicle-related crimes
Silly season is upon us, so we need to be vigilant according to SAPS.
The Brakpan Police Station has seen an increase in vehicle-related crimes, particularly hijackings, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles.
At the monthly stakeholders meeting, held last Wednesday, it was revealed that the R23 offramp onto the N17 is a major hotspot for hijackings, despite increased patrols and law enforcement activity.
Station commander Brigadier Fredl Jonck urged motorists to not stop for parked cars with hazards, or give lifts to hitchhikers, as that is the most common modus operandi in hijackings to get motorists to stop.
There is also reportedly an increase in false or corrupt blue light vehicles and metro cops pulling over vehicles to hijack them.
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They will even go so far as to pretend to inspect your licence and vehicle before asking you to step out and then overpowering you.
If you feel at all unsafe in a traffic stop, Jonck advises that you drive directly to the nearest police station. In the past, it was advised to drive to a fuel station or densely populated area, but even that has become unsafe as criminals become more brazen.
There is also a reported increase in theft of or out of motor vehicles, and while there is a concern that some of these cases are fraudulent to receive an insurance payout, many are just the result of what’s known as the “silly season”.
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This time of year, closer to the festive season, crime picks up drastically. People are more relaxed during the festive season, making them easier targets.
Jonck urges the public to always check, by pulling on the door handle, if your car is locked, and not just rely on your keys.
He also urges the public to put any valuables in the boot and out of sight to avoid your car being broken into for the valuables.
“Be vigilant and responsible and if you see any suspicious activity, immediately report it to SAPS,” he concluded.
