Theft of and from motor vehicles in Daspoort is on the rise and speculations are that a syndicate is operating in the area.
Hercules police sector 2 manager, Sergeant Christo Von Mollendorf, said they were concerned about the theft of and from vehicles as they have had several incidents of theft over the past days.
“We are concerned because of the upcoming festive season and many people are doing their shopping and their vehicles are at risk of being stolen.”
Mollendorf said they were trying to resolve the motor vehicle theft problem and they would be conducting special operations in the area along with Tshwane metro police and the community policing forum (CPF).
The hotspots in Sector 2, which include Daspoort, Claremont, Booysens and Hermanstad, were, according to Mollendorf, Bougainville Shopping Centre, Jennings, Redelinghuys,Van Riebeeck, and Taljaard Street, Ds Krige Avenue, Grizzlies Pub and the Hercules Clinic.
“We will have zero tolerance this festive season. We will work hard to clear the streets of criminals,” said Mollendorf.
Police shared a few tips on what people should do to keep their vehicles safe:
· When leaving your vehicle, take all valuables with or put them in the boot of your vehicle before parking at the centre;
· Park vehicles where there are guards close to the centre;
· When parking where there are vehicle guards, let them know where you parked and get their names.
· Make sure vehicle windows and doors are closed and locked;
· Remove the coil wire, so that there is no power to start the vehicle if criminals try to steal it;
· When going to the Hercules Clinic, take someone with to stay in the vehicle while you are inside;
· When visiting friends, do not park outside their yards but rather inside;
· Lock the main gates of your home at night as criminals sometimes gain entry into the yard and push the vehicle out if the gate if not locked.
Police asked the community to work hand in hand with them to combat crime. Mollendorf said community members were welcome to call their Hercules police sector managers any time they needed help on the following numbers:
Sector 2: Daspoort, Claremont, Booysens and Hermanstad, Sergeant Christo von Mollendorf on 082-319-9571. Sector 3: Pretoria Tuine, Claremont and Hermanstad area, Constable Lesley Kau on 082-335-2409.
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Also read: Theft out of motor vehicles on the rise
