The Krugersdorp Police warn that car theft, especially of Toyota Etioses, Volkswagen Polos and Vivos as well as motorcycles have been on the rise as of late. Vehicle owners are asked to be vigilant.
Krugersdorp Police spokesperson Captain Raymond Sebonyane said, “Theft of motor vehicles is a problematic crime, particularly in the Krugersdorp area. Police in Krugersdorp would like to urge and sensitise motorists and the public to safeguard their vehicles.”
Also read: Vehicle models on the ‘wanted list’ by criminals in Krugersdorp
Captain Sebonyane explained that most of the cases reported to the Krugersdorp Police recently were for Toyota Etioses.
An investigation has also revealed that Volkswagen Polos and Vivos, and motorcycles are targeted and stolen during the day and night in parking lots and residential areas.”
Police asked that residents work with police through structures, such as CPFs, to help stop vehicle theft.
Captain Sebonyane provided the following tips for safeguarding against vehicle theft:
• Exercise caution at parking areas and report unknown and suspicious persons or vehicles to the police.
• Avoid leaving or parking vehicles for a long time in areas or streets that are not well lit.
• Ensure that all vehicles and motorbikes are locked and safely parked inside premises.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
• Park your car in a garage at your premises if you have access to one, and lock all garage doors.
• Do not leave the registration or title documents of your vehicle inside it.
• Always use your emergency brake when parking, which ensures safety and makes it difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle away.
• Etch your vehicle’s identification number on its windows and major parts, or use the latest data dot technology. This makes vehicles and parts more easily traceable when stolen.
• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period of time.
• Engrave expensive accessories like car stereos, cellphones, compact disc changers and external speakers so that the thief will have difficulty disposing of them.
• Drop business cards, address labels or other identification inside vehicle doors to help assist law enforcement in identifying your vehicle or its parts.
• Replace easily accessible door lock assemblies.
• Install an anti-theft device or system on your vehicle as an extra deterrent.
