Police have warned the public, especially motorists, to be more vigilant because of increased incidents of car theft and theft from cars in Groenkloof.
Most of these crimes take place at Virgin Active, the Groenkloof shopping centre and the local Engen filling station.
Sunnyside police spokesperson, Asnath Malatsi, said on Tuesday that they were concerned about the high levels of theft in the area and encouraged businesses to increase security to protect their customers.
In the latest incident, a VW Golf, belonging to a Virgin Active customer, was stolen last Thursday. It was one of many cases reported this year, making the place a car theft hot spot. Stolen valuable include laptops, cell phones and computer tablets.
“In some instances, theft out of motor vehicles are encouraged by motorists who are being negligent,” Malatsi said. She said leaving valuables visible on car seats attract criminals.
Most crimes at the gym take place in the mornings and afternoons, which are the busiest times at the gym.
The police encouraged people to rather lock their valuables in the boot, when it’s safe to do so. They said putting a laptop in the boot at a shopping centre or any busy area was also risky and attracted criminals to break into the car.
The police also encouraged motorists, who lock their vehicles using car remote controlled devices, to check if all doors are properly locked, to avoid falling prey to criminals using jamming devices.
At the Engen filling station, several incidents of theft out of motor vehicles were captured on camera. One such clip shows the driver of a Mini Cooper stealing from several vehicles in the area, while pretending to be speaking on a cellphone.
James Lourens, owner of the filling station, said the thefts continue even after they had put up notices warning people to be alert.
He said they are working on installing a devise that would prevent criminals from using remote jamming devises at the filling station.
The gym and shopping centre were not available for comment at the time of going to print.
