Stolen vehicles and tyres a hot commodity in Tongaat, warn police

Following a rise in the number of stolen vehicles and tyres around Tongaat, police have asked residents to be careful when parking their cars.

On Wednesday, Tongaat police were pursuing a case of stolen tyres when investigations led them to Sulman’s Farm in Greylands, where a red Volkswagen was found abandoned, reported police.

“On further investigation vehicle parts were recovered and were later identified by the owner of one of the vehicles that was recently reported stolen.

“We had also had incidents were tyres were being stolen from the trucks that park by the Tongaat Toll Gate,” said Tongaat police spokesperson, captain Patrick Ngwane.

Motorists are urged to safeguard their vehicles by applying the following advice:

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• 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 secured.
• Ensure that all vehicles and motorbikes are locked and safely parked inside premises.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
• If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, backing into your driveway will also make it more difficult for a thief to tow it away.
• Always park your vehicle inside the garage if you have one and always remember to lock the garage door.
• Do not leave the registration or log book in your vehicle.
• Always use your emergency brake when parking, making it more difficult to tow 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 makes use of the latest data dot technology.
• Cover expensive accessories like car stereos, cellular phones, compact disc changers and external speakers.
• Drop business cards, address labels or other identification inside your 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.

Residents can call the Tongaat SAPS at 032 944 9901.

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