This is in line with a preliminary police report that noted a decline in trio crimes, namely car and truck hijackings, business robberies, and house robberies, down to 2 098 in the first week of the national lockdown from 8 853 during the same period in 2019.

“However, vehicle crime activities are increasing as the country’s restrictions are being lifted. During the lockdown extension, the number of vehicle recovery activities increased nearly three-fold compared to the first week of lockdown,” Nandi Canning (Tracker SA communications manager) said.

The first week of level 4 restrictions has seen vehicle recovery activities more than double compared to the lockdown extension figures, representing a six-fold increase from the first week of lockdown to figures that are now only 35% lower than pre-lockdown averages.

“The decrease in vehicle crime activities during lockdown can be attributed to fewer vehicles on the road and a higher presence of law enforcement,” Ron Knott-Craig (executive: operational services at Tracker South Africa) explained.

He added that they have seen an escalation in crime activities as vehicle movement increases and they expect to get back to pre-Covid-19 vehicle crime levels soon.

Criminals too, are resuming their activities under eased restrictions and South Africans are warned to be particularly vigilant as day-to-day life goes back to normal, especially when returning home from shopping.

Also ensure that your vehicle tracking device is in working order and make use of the features offered by your vehicle tracking service.