Theft out of cars still a problem despite campaign
Some car thieves will sometimes open the passenger door while the motorist is busy getting out of the vehicle.
Despite its ongoing “Boot It or Lose It” awareness campaign, Brooklyn police said they are still concerned by the number of thefts out of motor vehicles in the area.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging local motorists to take commonsense measures such as stowing valuables in their car boots, instead of where they might be visible to opportunistic thieves.
“Theft out of a motor vehicle is a very preventable crime and can be tackled head-on with the assistance of motorists,” according to police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
Despite a “significant” reduction in such crimes over the past few months, the number was still unacceptable and concerning, she told Rekord.
Common items motorists leave in their vehicles for opportunistic criminals to steal include laptops, cellphones, wallets and all types of bags.
“The inconvenience of losing a cellphone or laptop and the hassle of reporting it to the police, claiming for it against insurance and repairing the vehicle can all be prevented by simply putting it in the boot,” said Weilbach.
She said it was preferable to place such items in the boot before embarking on your journey. That way, criminals scouring parking areas won’t observe you placing any valuable items in the boot.
“Hiding valuables under car seats is never a safe option,” she said.
She urged motorists to physically check if all vehicle doors were locked before going about on their business.
“Criminals use jamming devices to jam remote control signals,” Weilbach said.
Some car thieves will sometimes open the passenger door while the motorist is busy getting out of the vehicle. The motorist will be unaware of the open door, unless they physically check it.
Weilbach also warned of an increase in spare-wheel theft in the area.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/170945/spare-wheel-theft-on-the-rise-in-the-east/
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