Vehicle theft a growing concern

Scottburgh Saps station commander Colonel Ralph Ruiters, has said that theft of motor vehicles has increased in Scottburgh lately.

This was the main topic of discussion at the recent Scottburgh community policing forum (CPF).

In the past few weeks, vehicles have been stolen in the town, particularly from GJ Crookes Hospital and Scottburgh Mall.

Colonel Ruiters strongly advises vehicle owners to ensure that valuables in their vehicles are not visible as these often tempt criminals to steal the vehicles.

The public is asked not to park vehicles in an easily targeted area, unfamiliar grounds or in isolated parking spaces.

An appeal has also been made for vehicle owners to install tracking devices to assist police in recovering vehicles should they be stolen.

Another form of theft, involving goat stock, has increased as well.

Reports indicate that the stock thieves have actually been stealing goats from one another.

With crime in general, it has come to the police’s and public’s attention that there are a lot of robberies involving knives on the freeway behind Scottburgh Mall where public transport vehicles pick up and drop off passengers.

Police encourage passengers to stand in small groups (keeping in mind Covid-19 protocols) while waiting for their transport, instead of standing alone, which is more dangerous and others are asked to avoid that area if possible.

Before closing the meeting, Ruiters said that he is proud of local community forums such as the Park Rynie and Scottburgh, for playing a great role in the fight against crime and assisting with policing areas.

He also extends his thanks to several of the local security companies such as Gladiator Security Services for always willingly assisting Scottburgh Saps.

The Amandawe Youth Forum was acknowledged and thanked for its efforts in creating awareness on crime fighting in their respective area, too.

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