Brooklyn police have warned motorists to be vigilant due to an increased number of vehicle theft in the east of Pretoria.
Although there was a slight decrease in the total number of vehicles stolen last month, the number is still too high, said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
“For the month of October, most vehicles were stolen on a Friday and a Monday between 08:00 and 12:00 and between 16:00 and 20:00,” she said on Wednesday.
“In the Brooklyn policing precinct, the following suburbs carried the highest number of vehicle thefts: Brooklyn, Menlo Park, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Hazelwood and Hatfield. ”
Weilbach said Volkswagens and Toyotas were likely to be stolen.
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“Most vehicles are stolen from pavements where vehicles are parked in front of a business, school, church or outside a friend’s house. Residents need to invite their visitors to park in their yards if possible.”
Weilbach also urged drivers to lock their vehicles at all the times and keep the car keys safe.
“At least three incidents were reported where vehicle keys were stolen out of handbags and later the drivers discovered that their vehicles were also stolen. The incidents occurred at a yoga studio, a restaurant and at the Times Square Casino where handbags were left unattended,” she said.
“Drivers are requested to park intelligently because criminals are deterred when vehicles are parked in spots that are clearly visible to the public eye. If your vehicle is parked where people can see, it is less likely that someone will break into it without raising any suspicions. Parking spots that are well-lit at night and parking spaces close to CCTV cameras or security guards are all sensible options. ”
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Weilbach said school and parking areas close to campuses were often targeted this time of year.
“Student and pupils often leave their iPads, laptops and schoolbags visible inside vehicles while writing exams. These behaviours create opportunities for criminals. Most of these crimes can be prevented through basic precautionary measures.”
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