There seems to be no end in sight for victims of car theft in the Helderberg, as a spike in thefts is not only affecting Somerset West and Strand but Lwandle and Gordon’s Bay as well.
Last week DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette reported on an increase in car thefts in Somerset West and Strand (“Motor-vehicle thefts spike”, 18 September). Now it has also come to light that thefts of motor vehicles are also occurring in other areas of the basin.
Said Lwandle police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama: “Police have noted there are cases of theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles, which have increased recently.”
The latest incident in Lwandle reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday 18 September, when three suspects allegedly approached the driver of a red Hyundai Getz as soon as the owner had parked his vehicle outside his residence. The suspects pointed a firearm and threatened him, at which point the owner ran away. The suspects then jumped into the car and sped off.
Gama has warned the community that the suspects are operating in groups of two to five people.
“The suspects open cars with unknown sharp objects or break a window to gain access to it,” he said. The modus operandi of the crimes is similar to the possible syndicates that were alluded to by Strand police.
Elsewhere, Gordon’s Bay police said two Volkswagen Polos were stolen within a week. The most recent was a blue VW Polo Vivo stolen in Sandpiper Close around 04:00 on Monday morning (23 September). This follows another Polo that was stolen at Breakwater Lane between the hours of 20:00 and 03:00 on either Friday 20 or Saturday 21 September.
Warrant Officer Nigel Ruiters, acting station commander for Gordon’s Bay police, confirmed the statistics show an increase in car thefts in the precinct over the past month. He said they are investigating the thefts and no arrests have been made.
The stolen Polos in Gordon’s Bay align with Somerset West police reports of Polos and Toyota Hilux’s being targeted. This trend seems to be continuing as the Somerset West police have reported that a white Toyota Hilux double cab was stolen in Main Road, Somerset West on Wednesday 18 September at 12:15.
The complainant stated he had left the bakkie in the parking area of a medical facility and, on his return, it had been stolen.
To curb the theft of motor vehicles the Lwandle and Gordon’s Bay police have since made a conscious effort to intensify patrols. “Police officers are sensitised to do more patrols,” said Ruiters.
Gama has also advised car owners to install a tracking device in their motor vehicles because, in the event of a theft, it will be able to assist with tracing.
“When experiencing a breakdown, contact the police immediately for assistance. Always have the numbers on hand in case of emergency.”
Lwandle police urged anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects involved in these cases to contact the police station on 021 845 2060.
Alternatively, they can call CrimeStop on 08600 10111. People are also encouraged to download MySAPSApp via Google Play Store.
The app allows for easy access to the police, particularly for providing tip-offs. Information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and police offer a reward to any person who provides positive information.
