Vehicles are being stolen within the Brighton Beach policing area, predominantly during the early morning hours and before sunrise, with luxury LDVS and older models which do not have tracking devices being most targeted.
Vehicles are taken from within premises, those parked on verges including places of worship.
Taking precautionary measures can minimise your chances of becoming a victim of car theft.
The following tips were issued by Brighton Beach SAPS:
● Always lock all doors to 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 on key racks. Place keys out of sight in a drawer that cannot be reached through a window.
● Invest in a vehicle theft tracking/security system, to assist police to track your vehicle if it is stolen. This will also assist in tracking you should you fall prey to a hijacking or kidnapping.
● Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. This will hamper the thieves’ efforts to get away timeously.
● When locking your vehicle, check the door handle to ensure your door is locked securely. When activating your mobile locking device, face your vehicle, ensure you hear the doors lock and see the indicator light flash. Wait for 30 second before you walk off to ensure your locking device has not been deactivated.
If you are aware of any individuals trading unlawfully in vehicles or vehicle parts, report such incidents to your local police station or the Crime Stop Crime Line 08600 10111, SMS 32211 or www.crimeline.co.za
