THE Hillcrest SAPS have urged vehicle owners to avoid leaving valuables, even loose change, inside their cars where a passerby can see them.

The station has seen an increase in the number of cases of theft from a motor vehicle.

The station’s communications officer, Sergeant Nokuphila Mchunu, said visible valuables can result in an opportunistic crime.

“If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in the car boot before arriving at your destination. Lock your doors at all times, even while driving and make sure all windows are up when leaving your vehicle.

“Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and petrol stations, park in well-lit areas,” advised Mchunu.

Mchunu said in some instances vehicle windows are smashed so that thieves can steal the visible valuable goods, which include laptops and cellphones.

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The station also recorded cases of attempted car thefts from the start of to mid February in the Hillcrest CBD.

The vehicles targeted during the attempted car thefts included a VW Polo, a Toyota Fortuner and Hilux.

“We have discovered that most of the time, the suspects flee towards the uMlazi or Ntuzuma areas,” Mchunu said.

She added that in three incidents of attempted car thefts, windows were broken and wires were disconnected, however, it appears that the suspects were disturbed and could not continue with their crimes.

“The suspects were travelling in two motor vehicles, an Eitos and Polo which were captured on CCTV camera. One motor vehicle had licence plates which are registered as an e-hailing car but it is possible that the registration, which is from uMlazi, was cloned,” said Mchunu. She added the suspects target schools and malls.

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