Vehicle theft syndicate operating in Moot
'Many of these crimes happen in the late afternoons in shopping centres. Most of the times you find that shoppers are in a rush from work and often leave their valuables visible.'
A Moot private security company believes that a vehicle theft syndicate might be operating in the area, following a sharp increase in car-related crimes in recent months.
“Vehicle theft, especially in Rietfontein at schools and shopping centres, has been on the rise,” said Reinhard Raschke of MCS Security.
According to Raschke, a school parking lot in 30th Avenue has been a hotspot for criminals of late.
“There has been a spate of vehicle thefts in the area; last week alone, seven incidents were reported. In our CCTV footage, we managed to identify a group of men driving in a Kia Rio whom we believe are responsible for two incidents,” he said.
In an incident captured on video, Raschke said the men tried to steal a Toyota Tazz from the parking lot on Thursday afternoon but fled when the driver returned unexpectedly.
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He said the group did, however, manage to steal a Nissan NP200 the following day.
“It seems the thieves are targeting parents who visit the schools, especially in the afternoons. There is also a group of cyclists who leave their bicycles outside the school parking lot for hours. We urge them to seek secure parking where criminals won’t have access to their bikes,” Raschke added.
Villieria police spokesperson Captain Coba Brits confirmed that a case of a stolen motor vehicle and attempted theft of a motor vehicle were opened.
“These car thefts are problematic and we want to warn the public to always be alert. They should physically check whether their vehicles are locked. When they park anywhere, they should always put away all electronic equipment,” she said.
Moot police spokesperson Captain Anton Breedt urged the community to help in dealing with vehicle-related crimes.
“Many of these crimes happen in the late afternoons in shopping centres. Most of the times you find that shoppers are in a rush from work and often leave their valuables visible,” he said.
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Breedt said some victims rush to the shops, thinking their cats would be safe for only five minutes or so.
“It’s a pattern we have noticed. Motorists should know that it takes less than five minutes to steal a car or something out of a car. There has been an increase in police visibility, but at the end of the day, the responsibility lies with the motorist to ensure that their vehicle is locked and parked in a secured area.”
Wonderboom South police spokesperson Constable Mandlakayise Zwane said motor vehicle theft was also a headache in his policing precinct.
Police shared some tips on how people can keep their vehicles safe:
– When leaving your vehicle, take all valuables with or put them in the boot of your vehicle before parking at the centre;
– Park vehicles where there are guards close to the centre;
– When parking where there are vehicle guards, let them know where you parked and get their names;
– Make sure vehicle windows and doors are closed and locked;
– Remove the coil wire, so that there is no power to start the vehicle if criminals try to steal it;
– When visiting friends, do not park outside their yards but rather inside;·
– Lock the main gates of your home at night as criminals sometimes gain entry to the yard and push the vehicle out if the gate is not locked.
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