CPF warns residents to remove valuables from their cars
The Public Relations Officer of the Polokwane Community Policing Forum, Johan Retters is calling on people to make sure they do not leave valuable items in cars.
POLOKWANE – This warning comes after several cases were reported of people losing valuables like wallets, tablets, phones and even computers after leaving it in their cars in open view.
One of the latest victims, Jannie Nel told Review that he woke up on Monday evening, 28 August from a loud bashing sound. “I heard something smashing and got out of the bed to investigate. As I was still half-asleep I was not sure if the noise was inside or outside the house.
“After going from room to room I decided to go and look outside where the cars are parked,” Nel told Review.
This is where he found his front driver side window smashed and glass pieces strewn around.
“I usually do not leave valuable items in the car but one of the children left their tablet in the car after school and I believe that it was this that drew the attention of someone looking for something to steal. I will now have to pay thousands of rand to replace my window and the stolen tablet,” Nel told Review.
He added that his car being parked outside the house and not behind a closed gate gave the thief ample time to get away and also easy access.
Retters said people should make sure to take all their valuables out when they leave the car unattended.
He said that when things cannot be seen, they will not attract attention and people will not be victims of these crimes.
He said that keeping a car in a well-lit area at night and locking it up behind a gate and garage door will also assist in this type of crime being prevented.
“We have seen several times when garage doors have been left open by residents and this is an open invitation to thieves,” Retters said.
He also urged that people report all crimes to the police and open cases so the police can investigate.
“When the police are aware of issues they can make the resources available to patrol and follow up, but if no cases are opened they are unaware. We also urge people to get involved in the CPF in the city and go and visit the CPF website to see who to contact in their different areas.
You can also visit their website.
