Concern over tyre and rim thefts
Members of the Bellair Community Police Forum (CPF) Sub Forum 1 have suggested using lock nuts as a deterrent following a spike in tyre and rim thefts in the Bellair policing precinct.
THERE is growing concern over the continued theft of tyres and rims from residents’ vehicles in the Bellair policing precinct.
Initially, a community warning was issued by the Bellair CPF on their social media platforms in July last year.
Then in August last year, Bellair SAPS put out a warning to residents about the spike in the crime trend.
The topic has also been raised at several feedback meetings hosted by the Bellair CPF regarding crime patterns and trends.
Riki Devnarain, Bellair CPF deputy chairman, explained one of the deterrents to this crime is to purchase lock nuts or anti-theft lug nuts.
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“It has been a concern for some time now and all we are trying to say is, forewarned is forearmed. We want residents in the area to be aware of this particular crime. Initially the lock nuts were stopping thieves from getting to the tyres and rims but recent patterns have shown they are now breaking into the vehicle to steal the lock nut, which is usually kept with the spare tyre.
“Our idea to stop this is to put the lock nuts somewhere else or hide it. The thieves are looking for a quick getaway so this delays them and they eventually move on for fear of being discovered.
“We are also encouraging residents to look at spare wheel locks as the suspects are also targeting them. Using these tools can effectively deter wheel theft because it requires a special key to remove them,” he said.
Kaven Reddy, treasurer of Bellair CPF, said they hoped to alert residents to the crime.
“There is a massive resale value on these items. In instances where we’ve viewed CCTV footage we’ve seen the criminals actually run their hands over the tyre threading to see if it’s worth stealing. The newer the tyre the better because it’s expensive. That is also the case for rims. While our patrols continue in the area we are also asking residents to remain extremely vigilant,” he said.
**The next Bellair CPF sub-forum 1 meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 9 at Revival Fellowship (19 Dickens Road, Mount Vernon).**
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