Police urge shoppers to take caution

DURBAN North SAPS has warned residents of a recent increase of theft out of vehicles in the area.

In one weekend there were more than 10 cases reported of theft out of vehicle, six of which happened at Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Durban North SAPS spokesman, Lt Raymond Deokaran, said there had been a recent increase in police patrols around the centre.

“We saw a drop in the number of thefts out of vehicles during the patrols, but when patrols decreased, the theft increased again,” he said.

Deokaran said there could possibly be spotters at major centres in the Durban North area, who tip criminals off, but added it could be anyone.

He also cautioned residents to check that their cars are locked when shopping, adding in many instances it was found that remote jamming devices were used.

Items such as laptops, iPads, cameras, GPS’, external hard drives, perfumes and cash were some of the goods stolen out of cars.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s centre management said in a statement that additional personnel were allocated to enhance security.

“We continuously adapt security measures to changing circumstances and in that regard co-operative efforts by shopping centre management, the SAPS, community policing forums and various task teams have had some success,” said the centre’s public relations officer, Sanè Ndlovu.

According to Ndlovu, the unfortunate reality is that theft out of motor vehicles continues to be a problem in retail malls.

“We again urge shoppers to heed the prominently displayed warnings to check their vehicles have been locked, to ensure that no valuables have been left in their vehicles and to be aware of remote jamming.

“These cautions are in addition to the reminders found in all major shopping centres and other major buildings that visitors enter the premises and use facilities at their own risk,” she said.