NEWCASTLE KZN: Police advise residents to invest in their own safety

It is more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings when travelling.

February 16, 2021

Newcastle Advertiser 3 minutes read

Newcastle Police has confirmed that theft out of motor vehicles remains a serious concern.

According to Lizzy Arumugam of Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications, the month of February has shown that thieves are targeting motorists in the CBD, with a reported four cases just in the first week of the month.

Along with tips on vehicle safety, Arumugam has provided the following essential tips for motorists to keep in mind:

Ensure your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey
Ensure your fuel tank always has a sufficient amount of fuel
Always lock the doors of your vehicle, and keep the windows closed
Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will only be away for a minute
Avoid stopping at remote places
Park your vehicle in places that are well lit
If a stranger wants to talk to you while you are in your vehicle, do not open the window wide; 5cm is enough to have a discussion
If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers – rather be rude and drive away
Limit your trips at night or take someone along with you
Vary the route you travel to work and back, if possible
If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention
If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive straight past. If they continue loitering for a while, report it to your nearest police station
Car-jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car – be aware of this
If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual/s involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help
Do not reach for your purse or valuables; leave everything behind if forced from your car as your life is more valuable than your possessions
Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon – give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away
Consider using a lift club, as it limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime
Do not give strangers a lift
A gear-lock is an affordable and very effective anti-theft device
If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage
Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed
Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars
Do not leave your firearm in the glove compartment of your vehicle, or anywhere in the vehicle when you park – this is against the law!
Make sure all your doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car
Do not leave money or any other valuables in the car, as you will be attracting opportunistic criminals. Leave valuables like laptops and cameras in the boot of the car
Be aware of people approaching you to tell you that you have a flat tyre; the intention can be to steal items they see inside your vehicle or to rob you
Do not open your windows when driving in the CBD or to hawkers along the road and at robots
Do not use your cellphone unless you have a hands-free kit
At night, park in well-lit areas
If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice
Practice the same preventions skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home
Become familiar with your route before you start a trip by getting a map and studying it
Never leave your keys in the ignition
Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car
Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag