BELLAIR police say they are concerned over a spate of theft out of, and theft of motor vehicles cases.

In January alone, seven cases of car theft were opened at the station for incidents on Romford Road and Cliffview Road, and a case outside the Bellair Municipal pool.

Station spokesperson, Sergeant Rachel Simangele Mseleku, said in some cases it was suspected remote jamming was used to gain entry into the car.

In one of the car theft cases outside the municipal pool, the vehicle was later recovered abandoned in uMlazi.

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“In the lead-up to the festive season we issued a warning to residents and visitors about thefts out of motor vehicles and it would seem we now have to add theft of motor vehicles to that list. We urge residents who park in public or shopping centres to ensure their alarm is activated and that all four doors are locked before walking away from their vehicle.

“Residents should not leave items visible in their cars. Items such as laptops, cameras and phones are what the suspects most often look for. I urge residents to double-check they have locked their cars and not to leave valuables in their cars,” she said.

Mseleku also warned residents against opening false cases (perjury) at the police station.

“While this has not happened we would like to warn residents against this. Reporting of false cases waste the SAPS’s time and resources. Anyone found to have opened a false case will be charged, it is an offence that is punishable by law,” she said.

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