The police have urged the public to be careful of being scammed after their vehicles have been stolen or hijacked.
They said that, after stealing the vehicles, the thieves often contact the distraught owners, impersonate police officers, and claim that the vehicle has been ‘recovered’, but in order to get their vehicles back, the criminals demand that the victims pay a fee, allegedly to assist the police in towing the vehicle back to them.
“This is a scam,” said the police. However, victims should get as many details as possible from the person calling them. These include the person’s full name, contact details and where they are calling from, as well as details of the account they want the money paid into.
“We urge you not pay any money for the recovery of your vehicle. Forward the information you get to the station or detective branch commander on 011 767 2300,” said Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson.
Ernst said the case docket which you opened will be registered. A case number will be sent via SMS to your cellphone. That number is your reference number. Victims will also receive a second SMS with the details of the investigating officer on the case at a later stage. The investigating officer will contact you. You should make a note of the name of the investigating officer for future reference.
Also Read: Warning: Be on the lookout for stolen vehicle
“All Randfontein’s cases are investigated by the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) in Soweto. Remember, the police do not require any funds from a complainant or victim, regardless of whether it is for theft, hijacking or any other crime,” Ernst added.
Any enquiries may be referred to the following telephone numbers:
VCIU Commander on 011 213 9073, the VCIU on 011 213 9000, Randfontein Police on 011 7672300 or Crime Stop on 086 001 1011.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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