Car theft on rise in Sinoville, CPF warns

Motorists have been warned to be extra careful as vehicle theft continues to rise in Sinoville.

“Sinoville precinct is experiencing a dramatic increase in vehicle theft,” said Lizette du Plooy, spokesperson for the Sinoville CPF.

Du Plooy said shoppers must exercise caution when parking their vehicles at malls during this festive season as more and more thieves will try to take chances.

“Let’s work together to prevent these senseless acts and keep our community safe for everyone.”

Recently the CPF warned that car thieves and hijackers in Sinoville target VW Polos, Nissan NP200s, Toyota Hilux bakkies, Toyota Etioses and, especially, Ford Rangers.

“Motorists should remain vigilant when driving or stopping. They must be aware of their surroundings, especially at night,” she said.

Recently Rekord reported that a group of armed men stormed a car dealership in Gezina and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash plus six cars.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the suspects demanded employees to lie down.

“The suspects also made off with six cars from the garage. Of these, we could only identify, a gold Kia Picanto, a black Renault Clio, a white Polo Vivo, and a silver Audi A3,” Van Dyk said.

He said the area was fairly quiet, adding that police had never recorded such an incident before.

“This is an isolated incident and the first time it happened.”

The CPF offered these safety tips:

– Lock your vehicle: Always remember to lock your car, even if you’re just stepping away for a short time. This simple step can deter potential thieves.

– Park in a well-lit area: Whenever possible, park your car in a well-lit and populated area. This makes it less attractive to thieves who prefer darkness and seclusion.

– Use an immobiliser or steering wheel lock: Consider using additional security measures such as a steering wheel lock or immobiliser. These devices make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car.

– Install a car alarm system: Investing in a car alarm system can be highly effective in deterring theft. Thieves are more likely to avoid cars with visible security systems.

– Don’t leave valuables in the car: Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight inside your vehicle. Valuables can attract thieves and may encourage them to break in.

– Be cautious with spare keys: Avoid leaving spare keys in obvious places inside or outside your car. Thieves know where to look for them.

– Be vigilant in public parking lots: When parking in a public lot, be aware of your surroundings and take note of any suspicious activity. If something feels off, trust your instincts and find another parking spot.

– Take advantage of technology: Consider using anti-theft tracking systems or apps that can help locate your car if it gets stolen. These technologies can be extremely helpful in recovering stolen vehicles.

“Remember, by implementing these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of car theft,” she concluded.

Sinoville CPF 24-hour sector emergency numbers:

Sector 1: 071 509 6830
(Annlin, Wonderboom, Sinoville & Magalieskruin)

Sector 2: 079 025 5001
(Montana Park, Montana Gardens & Montana Agricultural Holdings – north of Sefako Makgato Drive)

Sector 3 and 4: 074 133 4353
(Doornpoort)

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