The recent increase in tyre theft has raised concern in the community. Suspects have been stealing spare tyres from vehicles that are parked at local parking areas, outside offices and supermarkets. Trucks that breakdown along the road are also being targeted.

Capt Alfred Kaizer Moela, spokesperson for Lydenburg SAPS, confirmed that reports have been received at the police station about such incidents.

“The information we received is that a group of suspects move around and operate stealthily to steal these spare tyres. They usually target quiet parking areas, and the worst part is that the car owners will only realise later that it is gone,” he said.

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Cassamo Lalgy, the owner of Transportes Lalgy, is one of the people who recently suffered a loss of about R90 000. He said this was not the first time they have suffered such a loss.

“On Thursday, one of the drivers was tied up on the R36 (Badfontein Road) by a group of five armed men a few kilometres from Lydenburg. He was on his way to Machadodorp. At around 01:00 while he was waiting for assistance, the men came out of nowhere, held him at gunpoint, dragged him into the bush and tied him up.

“They removed the tyres of the truck. People passing the scene were too scared to assist and drove past.

Luckily the manager of Heymanskole passed by at around 05:00. He at least stopped, assisted him and called the police,” he explained.

Cherries Ellis, a community member, was also a victim. She said she was shocked when she realised the spare tyre was gone. “I am not certain when they stole it, although later on I heard a strange sound and when we checked, we realised the tyre was gone. I also heard from another victim that it took them less than 20 minutes outside a supermarket parking lot to unbolt and take the tyre,“ she explained.

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Moela has urged the community to be vigilant at all times.

“Truck owners should work together with the police. When a driver cannot be reached, we will be prompted to investigate. They should also consider getting tracking devices installed, and a camera so they can see their drivers at all times. Motorists need to install safety locks for their spares tyres to prevent further theft,” he said. Moela asked the public to inform the police if they see any suspicious activity at local parking lots.