Vehicle-related crimes rear ugly head, again
Police also offered crime prevention tips so people avoid falling victim to crime.
Vehicle-related crimes are on the rise in the north of Pretoria, according to police at the Sinoville police station.
“Theft of and out of motor vehicles in our residential areas is of serious concern,” spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said.
He urged motorists to always park their vehicles inside the property where they are visiting and always ensure their vehicles were locked.
Van Dyk offered the below tips:
– See to it that your vehicle is in a good condition and has sufficient fuel.
– Inform someone of your destination.
– Always lock your doors, even if you are in the vehicle and keep the windows closed.
– Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
– Avoid stopping at remote places.
– Park at well-lit places.
– If a stranger wants to talk to you, only open a window about 5cm to 6cm. If you feel uneasy, simply drive off.
– Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
– Limit your trips at night.
– Watch out if people are congregating around you, this could be a sign you are about to robbed.
– Vary your route to and from your destination.
– If strangers loiter near your driveway, rather drive past them, if it continues for a long time, request the police for assistance.
– Carjackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car, if you do not feel safe with the situation, drive away and report your accident at the nearest police station.
– Do not allow yourself to be boxed in, leave enough space for yourself from the vehicle in front of you to drive off.
– Make sure nobody follows you into your property.
– If you do not feel comfortable with a situation, leave and do not continue or provoke confrontation.
– If you are in a confrontation, stay calm, don’t resist and comply with your attacker’s demands.
– Try to remember as much detail of your attacker as possible, such as clothing and characteristics.
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