A shopper lost a Louis Vuitton handbag and Gucci designer sunglasses to thieves who targeted her vehicle at CapeGate Shopping Centre last week.

A Louis Vuitton bag generally ranges from R30 000 to well over R100 000, while Gucci sunglasses start at around R5 000.

According to police records, the incident occurred between 15:30 and 17:30 on Thursday 17 September.

Norman Landry, chair of the Brackenfell Community Police Forum (CPF), says this type of crime is prevalent in Brackenfell, particularly at shopping centres, but can mostly be prevented.

“Several modus operandi are used. It could be remote jamming, or breaking the window,” he says. It is a crime of opportunity. Criminals walk around seeking valuables in cars. “You never leave valuables in the car, not even sunglasses or an empty laptop bag.”

The CPF recently held three safety imbozos at local shopping centres, where pamphlets were handed out to shoppers warning them never to leave valuables in their cars while shopping.

“Before you leave your car, double-check that it is locked and no valuables are left in sight.”

Chanté Jooste, spokesperson for CapeGate Shopping Centre, says the incident was not reported to the centre’s security offices. Should the shopper contact the centre, it would allow management to investigate the matter and obtain more information regarding the incident.

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