POLOKWANE – Police in the city once again warned women against the habit of stashing their handbags or other belongings into the boot of their cars in public, especially when driving hatchback cars, when in a parking areas or in public.
It is easy for women to be observed without them knowing it and they could become victims of crime, said Polokwane police spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba.
Review received information that at least three thefts from cars’ boots took place on Monday evening at the Thornhill Shopping Centre. Ramoshaba could confirm one theft from a vehicle parked at the gym at the centre. He said the theft took place between 17:45 and 19:30, while the owner of the car was in the gym. Thornhill centre manager, Koerie Muller told Review that all possible security measures were taken to prevent such incidents.
She said unfortunately such incidents do happen at all shopping centres. “The centre has excellent security personnel and meetings are held with the police at all the malls monthly.”
She said a police caravan with an official also parked at the centre once a week. “The malls also keep each other informed and exchange photos of known pickpockets or suspicious people. These are circulated among our security personnel and shop owners. We all work together very well to try keep the incidence of crime low,” she said.
A resident saw the stolen handbag lying in the field across the road opposite the gym and, upon inspection, found documents through which the owner could be identified. Only cash was stolen from the handbag and bank cards and a licence were left untouched.
A car was also reported stolen at the centre on Monday evening, but according to Muller this was quite a “mystery”, as the car was found by Tracker in front of the workplace of the woman who reported it missing.
“I only heard it was found there on Tuesday. Apparently the woman arrived at the shopping centre by taxi on Monday night and later reported to the manager at the Spar that her car was stolen, and he reported it to centre management.”
Muller again warned people not to leave valuables in their cars and to make double sure their cars’ doors were locked by pressing the handle down to see if it is locked.
