The Krugersdorp police have warned of an increase in car theft incidents. They have urged motorists to be vigilant and offered safety tips to assist in safeguarding their vehicles.

Krugersdorp police spokesperson, Captain Raymond Sebonyane, said, “Theft of motor vehicles is a problematic crime, particularly in the Krugersdorp area.”

Toyota Etios as well as Volkswagen Polo and Vivo models are most commonly targeted by thieves. There has also been a spike in the theft of motorcycles.

Captain Sebonyane explained that most of the recent cases reported at the Krugersdorp police station were for Toyota Etios models.

Most vehicles were stolen during the day and night from parking lots and in residential areas.

Police asked that residents work with police through structures, such as Community Policing Forums, to help stop vehicle theft.

Captain Sebonyane provided the following tips for safeguarding against vehicle theft:

• Exercise caution at parking areas and report unknown and suspicious persons or vehicles to the police.
• Avoid leaving or parking vehicles in poorly lit areas for long periods.
• Ensure that all vehicles and motorbikes are locked and safely parked inside premises.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
• Park your car in a garage at your premises if you have access to one, and lock garage doors.
• Do not leave registration or title documents inside your vehicle.
• Always use your emergency brake when parking, which ensures safety and makes it difficult for a thief to tow your      vehicle away.
• Etch your vehicle’s identification number on its windows and major parts, or use the latest data dot technology.     This makes vehicles and parts more easily traceable when stolen.
• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period of time.
• Engrave expensive accessories like car stereos, cellphones, compact disc changers and 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 its parts.
• Replace easily accessible door lock assemblies.
• Install an anti-theft device or system on your vehicle as an extra deterrent.