Criminals target cars at Virgin Active Ballito

Three cars were broken into and valuables stolen at the Virgin Active Ballito car park on Thursday afternoon.

Previously in October car keys were stolen from a members locker in an attempt to steal their car from the parking lot.

La Mercy resident, Sinivassan Govender was one of the three car owners who’s cars were broken into last week..

“I parked my car at the gym at about 4.30pm. About 45 minutes later, while I was working out, I heard my name being announced and had to report to the reception. They told me my car had been broken into.”

Govender and two other gym members were shocked to find their cars surrounded by broken glass in the parking lot.

“My back, left window was smashed. The back seat was flipped back and my laptop in the boot had been taken,” said Govender, who drives a Hyundai Accent.

“The gym management told me they will check their CCTV footage.”

Govender opened a case with Umhlali SAPS.

Virgin Active head of strategic communications, Les Aupiais said according to the police report, three occupants in a white VW Polo were identified as possible suspects in the vehicle break-ins.

“It appears that the men, who covered their faces to avoid being identified, may have followed the cars to the club. Two of the them broke into the cars. Two of the cars were beyond CCTV camera range,” said Aupiais.

“After the break-ins, Virgin Active staff immediately called the police and the security company to investigate. Members’ statements were taken and Virgin Active staff requested that the station commander attend a meeting to discuss a threat assessment.”

She said at present, Virgin Active has eight CCTV cameras covering the car park and uses security patrols to monitor the car park and vicinity.

“Inside the club, members are provided with secure lockers positioned directly under CCTV cameras near reception for valuables such as cell phones and wallets.”

According to Aupiais, Virgin Active constantly works on security-tightening exercises and as a result of these crimes will implement random patrols by their security company and employ two additional security guards to monitor the parking areas.

“CCTV cameras will be repositioned to gain maximum coverage of the parking areas and further signage will be erected to indicate the car park is under surveillance. Virgin Active will also explore the cost of installing boom gates in a strategic area keeping in mind the impact on traffic flow to the club.”

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