High number of vehicle crimes in the east ‘concerning’
“While pro-active patrolling by the SAPS, CPFs and security companies is keeping pressure on criminals, vehicle crime is on the increase.”
The SAPS and Fidelity ADT have once again flagged the theft of and out of motor vehicles as a growing concern in Pretoria.
“While proactive patrolling by the SAPS, CPFs and security companies is keeping the pressure on criminals, vehicle crime is on the increase,” said Leon Muller, district manager at Fidelity ADT.
“Unfortunately, residents are too complacent when it comes to movable property outside their security perimeter.”
Muller encouraged residents to park inside their perimeter fencing if possible and, if not, ensure that they do not leave any valuables in their vehicle parked on the pavement.
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“It’s especially important not to leave any valuable items inside the car where they can be seen from the window (sic). Rather lock these items in the boot,” said Muller.
He said that recently, a rising worrying trend of thieves targeting car batteries.
“Residents need to ensure their vehicles are locked at all times while parked.
“The growing use of a remote jamming device to block or jam the locking mechanism of motor vehicles has unfortunately become an everyday occurrence.”
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Always manually check that the car door is locked and don’t assume that since you pressed the remote control, the car is locked,” he said.
Muller asked residents to report any suspicious activity to the SAPS or their area security providers.
Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach this week said six areas in the east of Pretoria remained major hotspots for theft of motor vehicles and robberies.
She said the Brooklyn SAPS were concerned about the number of theft of and out of motor vehicles and street robberies in the area after numerous cases were reported at the weekend.
“Vehicles were stolen during the night as well as during broad daylight” she said.
“Vehicles that were parked on pavements in front of houses and flats were targeted.
“Other vehicles were stolen from a church, during a school sports event, in front of a pub, at guest houses, at a food market and around the University of Pretoria.”
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She identified Hatfield, Hillcrest, Brooklyn, Lynnwood, Menlo Park and Eramuskloof as major targets.
“It is recommended that the University of Pretoria students use free park-and-ride facilities in the area.
“This is a much safer option if parking cannot be found on the campus itself,” said Weilbach.
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