Lock up your cars, SAPS urges

The SAPS has urged residents to safeguard themselves against thefts out of motor vehicles.

Following the latest report of a vehicle being broken into last week on Chromite Avenue, SAPS cluster spokesman, Captain Shooz Magudulela advised residents to lock their cars in garages and install alarm systems.

Capt. Magudulela said, however, the theft on Chromite Avenue appears to be an isolated incident.

“Most of them (thefts out of motor vehicles) occur in the CBD and surrounds, where valuable items are left inside the car. Some even leave large amounts of cash – they may be followed from the banks. The thefts always take place during the day.”

Asked if it was possible a syndicate was at work, Capt. Magudulela replied it was not. Nevertheless, in response to the spate of such instances of crime, SAPS Newcastle has launched regular patrols in the residential areas in sector format, in an attempt to curb crime overall.

Capt. Magudulela said the number of cars parked outside houses and even outside yards in some areas was cause for concern.