East forums warn of car theft tactics as syndicates target parked vehicles
Security forums in Pretoria east have raised renewed concerns about vehicle-related crimes, warning residents to avoid complacency and take extra precautions as syndicates exploit unattended cars with cloning and jamming tactics.
Alpha Security Forum has raised the alarm about a rise in vehicle-related crimes across Pretoria east, warning that cars parked outside properties are particularly vulnerable.
In a recent community alert, the forum noted that syndicates are using tactics like cloning licence plates, jamming remote signals, and targeting unattended vehicles.
The message urged residents to avoid complacency and to park vehicles inside properties wherever possible.
“Stay alert for suspicious vehicles parked for long periods. Report unusual behaviour immediately via Alpha channels, or directly to SAPS, or your security provider,” the notice read.
“Together, with vigilance and co-operation, we can disrupt these syndicates and keep our communities safer.”
Alpha Security Forum director Roelie Hendriks confirmed that motor vehicle thefts are on the rise, especially when cars are left unattended.
He said that while jamming is not yet widespread, some incidents have been reported in Silver Lakes.
“The Lake Security Forum is monitoring the area and has anti-jammers in their cars,” Hendriks explained.
“Our responders are available when needed, but our focus is primarily on home safety. People usually have insurance for vehicles, but we do encourage awareness and caution.”
Lakes Forum chairperson, Jean Jonker, however, believes the problem is not necessarily increasing but rather ongoing.
“It has been happening for the past five years, so I wouldn’t say it’s an increase. The issue is continuous,” he said.
Jonker explained that technology plays a growing role in both crime and prevention.
He said they are using jamming detector devices to indicate where there are problems, and they have made arrests recently.
“However, the biggest challenge remains public education. People leave laptops, handbags or valuables in plain sight, which makes cars easy targets. If everything is locked in the boot, the risks drop significantly.”
He added that criminals rarely break into locked boots.
“We’ve never seen something being stolen out of a boot. It’s always from inside the vehicle when something is visible.”
Jonker stressed that vigilance is key, explaining, “We do active crime prevention and make use of jamming detectors in our patrols, but it’s not a product for public use.
Residents should instead focus on basic safety measures, like double-checking that their car is locked before walking away.”
He warned that syndicates often use sophisticated methods, such as cloning keys or exploiting signal interference, which can trick motorists into thinking their cars are locked.
Jonker added that criminals might park next to you and interfere with your remote so that one door stays open.
“That means the car doesn’t lock. We always advise residents to manually check their doors by pulling the handle.”
Jonker said high-end vehicles, such as Land Cruisers, are most vulnerable to key-cloning syndicates.
He urged residents to remain alert to their surroundings, especially if they suspect they are being watched.
“Hide your valuables, check your locks, and be vigilant. Awareness is the strongest tool we have to prevent these crimes.”
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