Double check when you lock your vehicle
Several people across Nkomazi have returned to their vehicles after going shopping to find their valuables had been stolen. Suspects employing remote jamming are thought to be responsible.
TONGA MALL – Criminals employing remote jamming to steal items out of vehicles have been active across Nkomazi over the past few weeks.
According to Capt Magonseni Nkosi, Tonga SAPS spokesman, they suspect a group was hanging around Tonga Mall last Saturday afternoon.
A woman had reported that a laptop, phone, bag and other items had been stolen out of her vehicle around midday while she had been shopping.
She confirmed that she locked the vehicle and when she returned an hour later, her vehicle had been cleaned out.
READ: Criminals target shoppers in Komatipoort CBD
Last Tuesday afternoon, a Komatipoort resident was also robbed of the handbag she had left in her vehicle. She parked at Komati Square and locked the vehicle with her remote. They suspect two people had jammed the signal, as the duo were spotted opening her vehicle’s doors and casually taking the bag before getting in their vehicle and driving away.
Similar incidents have also been reported in Malalane in the past, with stolen items ranging from cellphones to passports and luggage.
READ: Tourists fall victim to remote scammers
Criminals use a normal gate remote and press the button the same time someone is locking their vehicle via remote. The signal is blocked and, although the vehicle’s lights flicker, the locks do not engage.
This enables the criminals to casually stroll to the vehicle, open the doors and steal all the valuables inside.
Nkosi urged motorists to double-check that the vehicle has locked by testing the handle before walking away.
If your vehicle did not lock or you see suspicious people hanging around, it is important to get a description of the vehicle and suspects and immediately report it to local security personnel and the police.
