Car break-ins skyrocket
Judging by the number of people's complaints on Facebook groups alone, it appears as though break-ins into motor vehicles are skyrocketing.
One kind of petty crime is fast becoming a priority for local police, as reports of theft during car break-ins surge.
However, Mbombela police spokesman, Capt Dawie Pretorius, said it was nothing new.
“It is an ongoing problem,” he told Nelspruit Post. “People leave valuables in their cars,” he added.
Also read: Security companies warn of crime increase
During the past weekend, a total of 12 incidents were reported to SAPS. Laptops were the most-common item stolen.
The cases featured the loss of five laptops, a number of cameras, expensive sunglasses, smartphones and two handbags containing thousands of rand in cash.
The break-ins occurred all across the city, in residential as well as recreational areas, and at various times of the day and night.
“This petty crime is becoming a priority crime due to the escalation in reports,” Pretorius said.
Also read: Be on alert for crafty criminals
However, he warned that people who made false claims to the police, to claim the insurance money or otherwise benefit, were committing a crime and would be prosecuted.
“We will make an example of them,” the captain said.
He requested the public to phone the police when such incidents occurred, so that they could investigate the claims on the scene. Pretorious also repeated his oft-given advice: “Don’t leave your valuables in your car.”
Also read: Safety tips to protect your business against criminals
