Thieves leave Gui flat after they stole his tyres
He was fortunate to get help from his car insurance to get new tyres and rims
A car has become essential on some scale and waking up one morning to find your car on bricks is an inconvenience.
Mr Gui Hodgson found his bakkie with all its tyres stolen.
On Saturday morning, February 15, Mr Hodgson wanted to drive to work when he saw his bakkie stood on bricks.
“When I saw my car on bricks, I was hurt and I felt violated. I thought to myself who has the audacity to break into my home and steal my things,” he said.
He resides in Del Judor 4. The matter was reported to the police.
Mr Hodgson mentioned that his car is parked under a carport overnight.
“The vehicle is parked under a carport because it does not fit in the garage.”
He was fortunate to get help from his car insurance to get new tyres and rims.
Mr Hodgson is not the only one who suffered such a loss.
So far in February, seven tyre theft cases were opened at the Witbank Police Station.
Witbank Police Station communications officer, Captain Eddie Hall said that bakkies were mostly targeted.
“The suspects usually come at night and took all four tyres and mags on bakkies mostly.”
He added: “Since they are stolen, there could be a market for such and the community is advised to not buy mags and tyres in the streets. They could be stolen property. If we catch you buying such, we will arrest you.”
He also advised vehicle owners to park their vehicles away from where it can be easily seen if it is not parked in a closed garage.
“If you can’t park it in a closed garage, then try to park in your backyard.”
There are a lot of tips and tricks that you can make use of to curb tyre theft.
Some include parking your car in a closed garage whenever you can and parking where there is camera surveillance or where there is a lot of car and foot traffic when you are in public.
You can always go the extra mile with protecting your tyres such as installing a car alarm that includes sensors attached to the wheels.
The alarm detects when the car gets tilted, and the wheel sensors also detect when the wheels get tampered with.
It may cost more, but it would be worth it. Another trick to keep in mind is to always turn your wheels when you park.
It makes the wheels harder to remove because they are stuck in the wheel well.
