There has been an increase in the number of theft from motor vehicles and the Estcourt police are appealing to the community to be vigilant when parking and locking their vehicles. Drivers are urged not to leave valuables inside their vehicle, which may be visible to passers-by.

Valuables like handbags and laptop bags left on car seats are an attraction to a would-be burglar. “Further to that drivers must physically ensure that their vehicles are locked before leaving. Drivers must also refrain from pressing the immobiliser when they are a distance from the vehicle as culprits are intercepting the locking device,” commented police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel TM Mabaso.

She also advises that if young children are left inside the car, they be sensitised to strangers and not be lured out of the vehicle with a message like: “Your parent is calling you inside.” “We are pleading with all drivers to try and go to the extreme and take more care of their valuable items and their cars,” concluded Lt Col Mabaso.