Tyre theft escalates in Northside
They are currently targeting everything from small hatchbacks to double-cab bakkies.
The Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF) issued a warning to residents to be extra vigilant as a massive increase in tyre theft has been observed throughout the Northside in recent weeks.
According to Honeydew CPF public relations officer, Michael Steyn, incidences of tyre theft have been most prevalent in Weltevreden Park, although it is not limited to only this area.
“Criminals target houses with low walls or where they can access the property with ease,” Steyn said. “It generally happens in the early hours of the morning.”
According to Steyn, video footage of incidents shows that perpetrators are mobile, and are not working alone.
“They can steal a set of tyres, load them in a waiting car, and disappear as fast as they have appeared,” he said.
“We want to encourage residents to take precautions if their vehicles are parked outside within view from the road.
“Where possible install lock nuts to make it more difficult for these criminals to remove your tyres. If you have beams outside, then please make sure they are armed.”
Steyn adds that the CPF is working closely with private security companies and law enforcement agencies to address this problem.
They are currently targeting everything from small hatchbacks to double-cab bakkies.
He has also stressed the importance of reporting cases of tyre theft to the police.
BCI Security’s operations manager Lionel Gafney confirms that the theft of wheels and tyres is on the increase.
“Weltevreden Park has been particularly hard hit, and there have also been cases in Little Falls, Strubens Valley, and Florida,” he said.
“There does not seem to be any real preference in terms of what tyres they steal,” Gafney said, adding that they steal whatever they can get access to.
“This is syndicate-driven. The thieves can switch cars frequently, thereby avoiding pattern-building attempts.
Gafney shared the following tips for avoiding tyre theft:
“Lock your vehicle in a garage if you can, and install wheel lock nuts. Ensure your outdoor beams are working, and make sure they are linked to your alarm system.
“We’ve found that in many cases, perpetrators gain access to properties by lifting the gate off its sliding mechanism. It is important to ensure that your gate motor has a tamper-proof system that is linked to the alarm.
“Lastly, if you have CCTV, make sure it’s working and recording as this frequently helps with identifying and tracking down the perpetrators.”
