Avoid becoming a victim of motor vehicle theft

Theft of motor vehicles, hijackings as well as smash and grab incidents remain stubborn crimes within the Brighton Beach Policing precinct.

These crimes are committed during the day and night and all areas are affected, stated Brighton Beach spokesperson, Captain Loise Le Roux. Places of frequencies of these crimes include; beaches, shopping malls, the flea market, during house breakings, vehicles parked on verges or at residential or business premises.

Taking these precautionary measures can minimise your chances of becoming the victim of auto theft:

• Never leave your car running while unattended, even if it is to dash into your home, or while packing items into the boot of your vehicle or back seat.
• Always lock all doors of your vehicle when parked, this includes when parked behind security gates, and inside your garage.
• Do not leave vehicle keys or the spare set lying on tables near windows, or hanging on key racks.  Place keys in a drawer that cannot be reached through a window.
• Always park in high-traffic areas, than in isolated areas. Whether you’re parking in the street, on the verge or in a secured parking garage, opt for a well-lit area, preferably under street lamps. 
• When parking your vehicle try doing so with the front facing an obstacle. Turn the wheels towards the kerb and lock the steering.
• You can also disable your vehicle when stolen by installing a starter interrupt switch (killer switch).
• Invest in a vehicle theft tracking/security system, this will assist the police to track your vehicle if stolen, also track you should have fallen prey to a hijacking/kidnapping.
• Installing a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes (clubs/collars/J-bars) can minimise the chances of your vehicle being stolen, as removing these security features will hamper the car thieves in their operating time allowed to steel your vehicle.
• When locking your vehicle feel the door handle to ensure your door is locked securely.  When activating your car’s alarm system with your remote face your vehicle.  Ensure you hear the doors lock, hear the door lock and see the indicator light flash.  Wait for 30 second before you walk off to ensure your locking device had not been deactivated.

• If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, carwash or mechanic, leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.
• Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title, or credit cards in your vehicle;
• Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be etched on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This makes it difficult for a thief to sell your stolen car parts.
• Copy your licence plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a piece of paper and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to circulate your vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight, lock such away in the boot of the vehicle.  Also do not travel with valuables left on passenger seats, or the floor. Handbags must also be locked in the boot of the vehicle.

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