Criminals constantly find new ways to commit vehicle theft, focusing on areas of vulnerability to strike.

“It is common for unsuspecting customers to leave their cars and keys behind at car washes while they shop. Criminals are now exploiting this situation,” says Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.

Recently, five such incidents were reported in the West Rand area.

In one incident, the suspects arrived at the car wash and told the car wash workers that the owners had sent them to collect the car.

Thefts also occurred where the keys were left in the vehicles.

Fidelity ADT warns motorists to take the following precautions:

* Do not leave your car keys with the car wash staff when you are at a car wash

* Make sure you wait in a place where you can see your vehicle

* Check if you have been followed to a car wash and if suspicious persons are walking around

* Tell the car wash staff that only you will come to collect your vehicle

* Stay alert to suspicious individuals and report any unusual behavior to the centre or local security providers.