Captain Thivhulawi Tshilate (corporate communication SAPS Heidelberg) confirmed a burglary which involved a white Ford Ranger at a house in Bergsig on June 10 and also warned residents of a spike in motor vehicle theft since level 3 of lockdown.
A VW Polo was reported stolen in Begeman Street on May 28, while a Toyota Fortuner was stolen in End Street on June 2. A silver Etios which was parked outside El Shadai Printers in Pretorius Street was stolen on June 4. Five vehicles were stolen from a residence in Marais Street on June 7 and a Nissan NP200 bakkie was reported stolen in Voortrekker Street on June 11.
Capt Tshilate also said that residents often take to social media to express their frustration, fear and anger after a break-in or theft, but that many of these cases are not reported to the police.
“Victims of crime or witnesses have to report a crime to the police, not only for an investigation to take effect, but it gives SAPS more leverage to request extra police officers and vehicles,” Capt Tshilate added.
To report a crime, phone SAPS Heidelberg on 016 341 0343 / 0350 or any of the following CPF numbers:
Jordaanpark – Willem Sprong: 083 611 9589; Overkruin – Evert Vermeulen: 082 557 8759; Rensburg – Ounie Coetsee: 073 682 857 and Heidelberg Central – Steven Olivier: 082 570 2660.
NIGEL – Over the past weeks, vehicle theft has become problematic and according to Sgt Nellie Dwaba (SAPS Nigel spokesperson) police have seen a definite spike in vehicle-related crime.
Sgt Dwaba confirmed that a Toyota Etios with registration number HJX657MP was reported stolen at Ferryvale Spar on June 11.
On June 12, there was an attempt to steal to VW Polo GTI that was parked near PostNet at The Angelo Mall.
A Toyota Etios with registration number CF98BBGP was reported stolen at The Angelo Mall on June 14 and an attempted motor vehicle (Nissan NP200 bakkie) theft occurred at Ferryvale Pharmacy on June 14.
Police have warned motorists to ensure that additional safety measures are in place when parking their vehicles and not to solely rely on car guards to protect their cars.
“Double-check to ensure that your vehicle is properly locked before you walk away, as many car thieves use remote jamming devices. Car jamming is a practice where criminals use a signal-jamming device to prevent a car’s central locking and alarm systems from being activated, leaving a vehicle vulnerable to theft and vandalism,” Sgt Dwaba concluded.
To report a crime, phone SAPS Nigel on 011 812 650-3 or the NCOP on 065 170 2859.
