Spike of these crimes in the Moot
“People need to remember that many people were left unemployed during the lockdown and now turn to crime.”
Several crimes have increased in the Moot including theft of, and out of, motor vehicles in Pretoria as lockdown regulations has eased, said Fidelity ADT.
District manager Leon Muller said they have received reports of these crimes in the north and Moot of Pretoria.
“Cars in shopping malls appear to be particularly at risk,” he said.
Muller said the use of remote jamming detectors to block or jam the locking device to motor vehicles was contributing to the current spike.
“It is so quick that detection is extremely difficult and the perpetrators have often left the premises before they can be apprehended,” he said.
He urged residents to not leave any valuables visible in their cars.
“The saying ‘boot it or lose it’ has never been truer,” he said.
“Be weary of people spending long periods of time in the parking lot. These are often spotters checking for valuables or any opportunity to steal your car or valuables.”
Reinhard Raschke, of MCS Security, agreed that vehicle thefts were increasing in the area.
“Crime has been out of control for the past two weeks and we have received reports of car thefts almost every day,” he said.
Raschke said armed robberies, especially in businesses, were almost daily.
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He said businesses need to upgrade their security to be safer.
“Many sites where there are no alarms or any security are easy prey for criminals,” he said.
“People need to remember that many people were left unemployed during the lockdown and now turn to crime.”
Raschke said gate motor theft also remained a problem in the area.
“There are many ways that a resident can secure their gate motors,” he said.
“The bracket most people use are too easy to break open. There is a new safeguard on the market that makes an alarm when someone tampers with the gate motor.”
Pretoria Moot CPF chairperson Elsabe van Staden said vehicle thefts and hijackings were rife.
“Drug usage among the youth is also becoming a big concern,” she said.
Muller offered the following tips:
– Always be aware of your surroundings – this applies to any public parking areas or even if you park on the road outside a property.
– Report any suspicious activity.
– Do not leave valuables in an unattended vehicle. If you have to, leave it in the boot.
– Never push the remote locking device whilst walking away from the vehicle.
– Check that the vehicle is locked by testing the door.
– Ensure the boot is locked.
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