SEBENZA SAPS are warning motorists to ensure their vehicles are locked and valuables stashed away in the boot when leaving their cars unattended.
This comes after numerous ongoing cases of motor vehicle theft and theft out of a motor vehicle in Croydon and Cresslawn.
According to the police, at least two or three cars are stolen every weekend. The cars targeted the most are Toyota Fortuners, Hiluxes and VVT bakkies as well as VW Polos.
But, according to spokesman, Const Sharon Tsotsotso, their biggest concern is Modderfontein’s “Go Ape” forest park entertainment facility, where parents’ cars are stolen often.
“Parents taking their kids to Go Ape usually leave their cars unattended for a long time. Before leaving their cars, drivers should make sure their valuables are out of sight and locked away in the boot of the car,” Tsotsotso warned.
Motorists should also ensure their cars are properly locked, as criminals use remote jammers to gain access to your vehicle.
“Drivers, especially those with a remote controlled car locking system, will press the lock button once and walk away without double-checking if the doors really are locked.”
Remote jammers work by blocking the locking of the doors when the remote is pressed, without the driver noticing, and it does this without any signs of foul play.
“Criminals then access the car, either steal it or steal valuable items inside and lock the doors as if nothing happened.”
This past weekend alone, a dark grey Toyota Hilux was stolen and another car had valuable items stolen from inside using the remote jammer method.
“The man had his laptop, passport and R2 000 cash stolen from his car, using this system. The victim didn’t even notice at first that his things were gone because the car was still locked when he got back.”
