A red Isuzu bakkie was stolen from a residential property in Aerorand, Middelburg, on Thursday morning, March 12, after suspects allegedly tampered with the motor of an automated gate to gain access to the yard.

According to information received, the incident occurred in Matroosberg Street in Aerorand, shortly after the resident had left for work, around 06:00.

The suspects reportedly entered the property by tampering with the gate motor before driving off with the vehicle, a red Isuzu with the number plate FTY 513 MP.

Traffic cameras later detected the bakkie travelling on a freeway towards Stoffberg at approximately 09:55, indicating the suspects had already left the Middelburg area shortly after the theft.

In a further development, the vehicle was traced to Hammanskraal later on Thursday evening.

However, according to the latest information received, the criminals have already changed the vehicle’s number plate, which makes the bakkie even more difficult to identify.

Vehicle theft remains a concern in town, with thieves increasingly targeting properties, tampering with electric gates, and stealing gate motors.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation can contact Chris Khukhama on 063 610 7279 or their nearest police station.