Specialised unit recovers 33 stolen vehicles in Tshwane
Police admonish the public not to fall for online scams advertising goods at unrealistically low prices.
The police in Tshwane have made notable progress in the fight against online scams and related vehicle thefts plaguing the northern areas, such as Winterveldt.
The Tshwane Online Intervention Unit has recovered 33 stolen vehicles as part of its ongoing clampdown on criminals using social media to lure and rob unsuspecting victims.
According to law enforcement authorities, criminals continue to exploit online platforms by advertising goods at unrealistically low prices.
This then leads to victims, often tempted by the offers, being lured to isolated locations where they are robbed, sometimes of their vehicles.
Police said the specialised intervention unit was formed in response to the rising trend, has achieved significant success.
Through intelligence-led operations and targeted patrols, police have arrested over 300 suspects and seized 41 unlicensed firearms along with 33 stolen vehicles.
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the recovery of these vehicles sends a strong message to criminals that police are actively closing in on them.
“The recovery of 33 stolen vehicles is not just a statistic, it represents dozens of families and individuals who have had their dignity and sense of security restored.
“These recoveries are a direct result of relentless work by our intervention team, which has remained committed to stamping out this kind of crime in our communities.”
Despite the achievements, police caution that the threat persists. Victims are often drawn into the illusion of a bargain and end up losing far more.
Major-General Thine stressed the importance of public awareness and prevention.
“We urge community members to be cautious when responding to online advertisements.
“Always meet in secure, public spaces, ideally at a police station, and never agree to last-minute changes in meeting locations,” he said.
Authorities are also calling on residents to report suspicious activity and to verify online listings through trusted platforms.
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