General theft takes its toll in Pretoria West
“Particularly theft out of motor vehicles, are a big concern. A lot of incidents have been reported that take place in business parking areas."
Theft from and of motor vehicles are on the increase, especially in the Daspoort, Pretoria Gardens, Booysens, Andeon and Mulderia areas, said police.
Other crime trends that have been reported, are theft in general over the past week.
Hercules police spokesperson Captain Bonginkosi Msimango said that above-mentioned cases were on the rise.
“Particularly theft out of motor vehicles, are a big concern. A lot of incidents have been reported that take place in business parking areas,” Msimango said.
He said that drivers should double check after locking doors with immobilisers.
“Most importantly, don’t leave valuable items such as laptops and handbags visible inside the car and avoid secluded parking.
“Don’t be hostile to car guards as they assist in most instances,” he said.
Msimanga said it is the last quarter of the year and the approaching times leading to festive holidays.
“Criminals are targeting each and every vulnerable space and opportunity to crime. Residents must be at a high alert and positively work together with the community policing forum in their respective sectors.
“We as the Hercules police are intensifying stop-and-searches.”
Chairperson of Hercules CPF Johan van Staden said that their biggest headache at this stage, was the theft of water meters.
“They are made of copper, and are sold as scrap metal. It sells for about R50.
“We have about four to five cases per night reported to the CPF.
“We suspect that they steal the water meters and buy drugs, but we have not established where they get their drugs from,” Van Staden said.
ALSO READ: Garsfontein CPF calls for residents’ participation
Van Staden said the CPF and the police were working closely together to combat crime.
“Most of the theft incidents, are the stealing of small items in order to sell it. It all relates to drug-related addicts.
“Theft of water meters is increasing tremendously and minor thefts such as water pumps.
“We urge residents to lock up items at night or when they are not at home,” Msimango said.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
