CARS parked overnight have now become a target for criminals who search for any valuables left inside the vehicles.
This is a growing problem in the Montclair policing area with cases reported almost every days. Car owners wake up to smashed windows and missing items such as laptops, CDs and radios. Montclair SAPS communications officer, W/O Poobalan Marimuthu warns the public to make sur their vehicles are locked properly and that no valuables are left in the car or visible.
“I urge residents to avoid parking their cars on the roadside at night as this is an easy target for prowling criminals. When parking, owners must make sure all doors and windows are locked and that the alarm system is activated,” he said.
A concerned resident who chose not to be named said she is shocked and in disbelief that people, in this day and age still leave stuff lying around in their car. “Laptops and cellphones are clearly seen been left in the car, it’s like they are giving the criminals permission to steal from them,” she added.
Julie Meyer, the CPF media liasion said the issue is at complexes, where many theft out of cars are occurring. “We don’t know how they are gaining access to the complexes especially when the police have a major problem accessing the buildings. We need to look at security patrolling the complexes, if there are any,” said Meyer.
She urges the community to take the time to slow down and take note of everything in their cars, also take note of the surroundings, remove any item that can provoke a thief from breaking into the car, such as laptops or money.
The public is asked to be more vigilant at all times and to report suspicious people and vehicles to the police.
