Motorists and residents in Hatfield are being urged to remove valuable items from their vehicles, as vehicle-related crime remains a concern in the area despite a decline in some categories.

Hatfield CID manager Deon van Rensburg has urged residents and students to take simple precautions by keeping items such as cellphones, laptops, cash and handbags out of sight when leaving their vehicles unattended.

“Make sure you clear your vehicle of any valuable items in the car. If you don’t, you are not only going to lose your items, but your window too,” Van Rensburg warned.

He urged motorists not to leave cellphones on dashboards or seats, saying visible valuables could attract criminals and result in theft out of vehicles.

According to Van Rensburg, motorists can play an important role in preventing vehicle-related crime by making it harder for criminals to identify potential targets.

“Members of the community should take responsibility for securing their belongings and remaining vigilant in parking areas,” he said.

The warning comes amid continued concern over vehicle-related crime in the Brooklyn policing precinct, despite declines in some other crime categories.

The latest quarterly crime statistics, released on August 28, showed that motor vehicle and motorcycle theft decreased from 157 cases in the previous quarter to 134 cases during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering April to June.

However, vehicle robberies increased by 48%, highlighting the continued vulnerability of motorists across the precinct.

The Brooklyn policing precinct serves 28 suburbs, including Hatfield, Brooklyn, Lynnwood North, Alphen Park, Menlyn, Hazelwood, Menlo Park, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Waterkloof and Newlands.

Police spokesperson Johan van Dyk previously urged motorists to remain vigilant and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight inside their vehicles.

“Motorists are advised to secure laptops, cellphones, handbags and cash in the boot or take them with them when leaving their vehicles unattended.”

Van Dyk also warned motorists to physically check that their vehicles are properly locked after activating the remote-locking system.

He said signal-jamming devices could prevent vehicles from locking without the owner’s knowledge, leaving them vulnerable to theft.

“Motorists are further advised to report suspicious people or activities in parking areas immediately to the police or shopping-centre security,” he said.

To combat vehicle-related crime, SAPS, together with private security companies, conducts daily joint vehicle and foot patrols at shopping centres throughout the east.

ALSO READ: Crime declines in Brooklyn, but concerns remain

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