Vehicle models on the ‘wanted list’ by criminals in Krugersdorp

The Krugersdorp Police urges motorists to ensure their vehicles are safeguarded.

The warning comes as there was an increase in vehicle thefts.

Krugersdorp Police spokesperson Captain Raymond Sebonyane explained that they have noted with concern that most of the vehicle theft cases were reported in the Krugersdorp area and that especially Toyota bakkies, Volkswagen Polo’s Nissan NP200’s and Ford Rangers were being targeted.

During our investigations we also discovered that these vehicles were mostly stolen during the night at parking lots, or a place of residence,” he said.

He advised motorists to work with the police through structures such as the Community Police Forum (CPF).

The following safety tips can also be applied as a preventative measure:

• Exercise caution at parking areas and report unknown and suspicious people or vehicles to the police
• Avoid leaving or parking vehicles for a long time at areas or streets that are not well lit
• Ensure that all vehicles and motor bikes are locked and safely parked inside the premises
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight
• Garage your vehicle if you have a garage at your place and always remember to lock the garage door
• Do not leave the registration or title in your vehicle
• Always use your emergency brake when parking which ensures safety and also make it difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle away
• Etch your vehicle’s identification number on car windows and major parts. This procedure makes vehicles and parts more easily traceable when stolen or make use of the latest data dot technology
• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period of time
• Engrave expensive accessories like car stereos, cellular phones, compact disc changers, external speakers so that the thief will have difficulty disposing of them
• Drop business cards, address labels or other identification inside vehicle doors to help assist law enforcement in identifying your vehicle or parts.
• Replace easily accessible door lock assemblies
• Install an anti-theft device or system on your vehicle as an extra deterrent measure