Theft out of motor vehicles still on rise in the east
Targeted areas for the theft out of motor vehicles are shopping centres, schools and sports events.
The Brooklyn police have cautioned motorists to be aware of an increase in theft out of motor vehicle cases in the area.
Spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said two cases had already been reported this month. “On 13 August, at about 07:15, a 46-year-old man stopped at a garage in Garsfontein Road in Menlyn. He locked his vehicle and went into the store and returned a few minutes later and drove off to work.
“He later discovered that his cellphone was missing.”
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Weilbach said a Nissan Almera with two occupants was later seen on CCTV footage stopped behind the complainant’s vehicle.
“One of the suspects followed him inside the shop and the second one opened the front door of the complainant’s vehicle and took something from the vehicle.”
Another incident occurred at the beginning of the month.
Weilbach said a 36-year-old man went into the convenience shop of the garage in Atterbury Road in Menlyn.
“When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed that his boot was open and his laptop was stolen.”
Cellphones and laptops were common items stolen out of motor vehicles.
“Common areas that are targeted for theft out of motor vehicles are shopping centres, schools, sports events and in front of liquor premises.
“Sometimes jamming devices are used to gain entry to the vehicle.”
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Weilbach advised motorists to always lock their vehicles even if they were only going to the shop for a few minutes.
“Motorists must physically check all doors and the boot to ensure that it is locked.
“Where possible valuable items such as laptops and cellphones must be removed from a parked vehicle,” said Weilbach.
Anyone with information on crime may contact the Brooklyn police station at 012-366-1742, or crime stop on 08600-10111 or SMS crime line on 32211 to report crime anonymously.
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