ATM-related robberies and motor-vehicle theft are increasing in the Lydenburg/Mashishing area. This is according to the local police, who are warning the public to be extra vigilant.

Capt Alfred Moela said, “The community needs to be alert, because the criminals are coming up with strategies to rob them of their property.”

He revealed there is currently a syndicate focusing on car theft. “Some vehicles are stolen and then used for various illegal activities.

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“After that, they’re dumped in the forest and some disappear for good.”Over the past weekend, three vehicles were stolen. Two were recovered, but one truck is still missing. The three incidents happened at different areas around Lydenburg/Mashishing.

“On February 22, the suspects went to a company outside Lydenburg town while the electricity was off and stole a white Mercedes truck. The registration is JBD 967 MP.

The security guards that were on site in a security room said they heard sounds and, before they knew it, a group of men came in. It is unclear how many things they got away with although they did drive off with the truck.”
The criminals are allegedly targeting vehicles that are not fitted with tracking units.

“The public needs to make sure that they park in a safe environment and at least have a tracking device in their vehicles,” Moela warned.

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ATM-related robberies are mostly on the rise at locations that do not have security guards.

“The criminals pretend to be helping people and then memorise their pin numbers and take their bank cards without their victims noticing. They then immediately rush to a nearby ATM to withdraw the money,” he said.

He urged the public not to allow strangers to help them, so that they do not fall victim of this crime.
Anyone that has information regarding the stolen truck, tip-offs relating to the theft of the vehicles or ATM suspects can contact the local police.