A wave of car thefts has hit local shoppers after three vehicles were stolen and more than four others were targeted at shopping centre parking lots over the past week.

The incidents have taken place at three different malls in eMalahleni.

In one of the incidents, a man told the police that he had arrived at a certain mall’s parking lot and locked his car properly before going to the bank.

He further alleged that when he returned from the bank, his car, a Ford Ranger was no longer there. Police investigations are still underway regarding the incident.

In the second incident, a man told the police that he arrived at a different mall in the city, parked his car at the parking lot, and then left for a restaurant there.

He further alleged that upon his return to the parking lot, his car, a Toyota Fortuner was no longer where he left it.

Another incident where criminals could not succeed with the car theft in a different mall, raised more official concerns about vehicle safety.

The man told the police that he parked his car to go shopping. Upon return, he found that someone was forcefully trying to open his car.

According to a local security company, the suspects appear to be working in groups, using remote jamming devices and other tools to break into vehicles while they are parked.

Witbank Police are urging motorists to take extra precautions when parking at public places. Spokesperson, Sergeant David Ratau, advised motorists to use steering locks, vehicle alarms, and secure tracking devices.

“Drivers should make sure their vehicles are parked in safe spaces and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Being alert and parking in well-monitored areas can make a big difference,” he added.

Local security companies are advising shoppers to double-check that their cars are locked and to report any suspicious behaviour to mall security or the police.