IN August, the Durban North SAPS embarked on a crime awareness project urging residents to be vigilant about thefts-out-of motor vehicles.

Fast forward two months, and there has been a spike in the crime where suspected remote jammers were targeting residents and visitors to the area.

The spokesperson for the Durban North Police Station, Sergeant Nonhlanhla Shozi, said cases have been reported across the policing precinct, including in La Lucia and uMhlanga.

In the case of thefts-of and thefts-out-of motor vehicles, Shozi encouraged motorists to ensure their vehicles were locked when parking them in public.

Also read: Durban North CPF warns of SAPS imposter asking for donations

Shozi said in the lead-up to the festive season, there could be a spike in certain crimes.

“Thefts-out-of motor vehicles is something we’ve recorded a spike in the last few weeks. We believe suspects are using remote jamming as a way to gain access to vehicles. Remote jammers get within proximity to your vehicle and use a signal frequency to prevent your remote from functioning. We urge residents who park in public to ensure their alarm is activated and that all four doors are locked before walking away from their vehicle.”

“In the case of theft-out-of motor vehicles, we feel this type of crime is preventable. Many residents visiting the beaches or malls, or those parking their cars on streets overnight, should not leave items visible in their cars. Items such as laptops, cameras and phones are what the suspects most often look for. I urge residents to double-check they have locked their cars and not to leave valuables in their cars,” she said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here