The Sandton Community Policing Forum (CPF) has raised alarms over a growing number of theft out of motor vehicle incidents across the precinct.

Reports from SAPS Sandton, private security companies, and community safety partners show these thefts remain some of the most common crimes affecting residents, employees, and visitors.

Read more: Worried about being hijacked? Here’s how to stay safe and avoid becoming a target

Criminals are mainly targeting vehicles at shopping centres, parking lots, and fuel stations, particularly between 15:00 and 21:00.

They often use remote jamming devices or exploit unlocked doors to steal valuables such as laptops and handbags, sometimes in under a minute.

Current Hotspot Areas: Bryanston, Petervale, Rivonia, Morningside, Sunninghill, Paulshof, Woodmead, Kramerville, Sandton CBD, Sandown, Benmore, and Buccleuch and Kelvin.

These locations include retail and restaurant parking areas, shopping centres, fuel stations, major business complexes, and high-traffic commercial and residential zones.

Residents are urged to:

•Ensure all doors and windows are locked.

•Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles.

•Place items in the boot before leaving home.

•Stay alert at shopping centres, fuel stations, carwashes, and open parking areas.

•Report suspicious activity immediately to security or SAPS on 10111.

Also read: Taxi driver assists in arrest of hijacking suspect in Sandton

Roshan Byjnal, public relations officer for the Sandton CPF, said, “Community vigilance and partnership remain key to reducing these crimes. Together, we can make Sandton safer.”

The Sandton CPF continues to prioritise these incidents through focused patrols and hotspot monitoring. Shopping centre and fuel station management are also urged to maintain visible security, operational CCTV, access control, and preventative measures such as jamming detectors.

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