Police are sounding the alarm, warning motor-vehicle owners to be vigilant, as brazen car thieves are on the prowl, pouncing on unsuspecting motorists.
Authorities have confirmed an increase in motor-vehicle theft incidents following a spate of cases reported in Somerset West and Strand.
According to Somerset West police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies it appeared sophisticated thieves are targeting two specific car models, Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Hilux. The precinct has recorded a staggering 34 vehicles stolen since June. “It seems as though the thieves are highly specialised,” said Jantjies, adding the motive for the sudden surge remained unclear.
The neighbouring community of Strand has been plagued by the same problem for the past two years, Strand police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nico Beukes pointed out.
“Seeing it is specific vehicles that were being targeted, it is evident these criminals come prepared.” He further told how the perpetrators gained access to the cars through a side door.
Philip Versfeld, deputy chairperson of Strand Neighbourhood Watch, said there had been a dramatic increase in motor-vehicle thefts, with a noticeable spike in VW Polos and Toyota GD6 Hilux double cabs this year. Toyota Fortuners were targeted for over two months at the start of 2023.
“For a trained team of car thieves it takes less than three minutes from the moment they stop next to your car to the moment they drive away in it,” Versfeld pointed out.
Strand Community Policing Forum spokesperson Niklaas Thysen said Sector 3 had also seen the influx, signalling the possibility of an organised network being at play.
“We suspect the car thefts could be part of a criminal syndicate,” Beukes said.
The surge in motor-vehicle thefts have desperate car owners taking to social media with pleas for community assistance in helping to trace their looted vehicles. This weekend alone Facebook was abuzz with alerts of cars stolen in the Helderberg and owners left devastated about the loss of their wheels.
One such vehicle was a blue Kia Picanto, which was recovered after a family member of the owner had taken to Facebook alerting users to the theft in the Somerset West CBD. Another Facebook user also turned to the platform to bemoan the theft of a family member’s Volkswagen that had been stolen. While authorities cannot pinpoint the reason for the increase, police are combating the surge by setting up a task team to focus on investigations and they have plans to curb incidents.
Strand police have aligned with the neighbourhood-watch structures to increase patrols and visibility as a preventative measure. “We have also enlisted the help of car guards, who provide us with details on suspicious activities,” said Beukes.
While Strand police have made some arrests, Somerset West police confirmed they had executed no arrests in connection with the motor-vehicle thefts, and investigations were ongoing. Furthermore, none of the 34 vehicles stolen in Somerset West were recovered.
Versfeld shared that the neighbourhood watch’s vigilance paid off in August, when they followed up on a tip-off of a stolen VW Polo in the area. With assistance from police and law enforcement, watch members located the vehicle and a suspect was arrested. “Remote jamming is a reality,” Versveld pointed out. “Always physically check your car doors to confirm it’s been locked, and don’t just walk away.”
Jantjies urged the community to take extra precaution, especially when parking a car.
