Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

18 February 2014

It has come to the attention of the management of the South African Police in Pietermaritzburg that a high percentage of the recent reported cases pertaining to thefts from motor vehicles in the Pietermaritzburg CBD and surrounding areas is due to negligence and sheer carelessness.  It has also been noted that an absence of vigilance exists with regard to the criminal element that lie in wait. 

A number of reported thefts out of motor vehicles occur without any forced entry, which makes it possible to believe that the suspects are using a jamming device to jam the motor vehicle's locking system when the motorist activates the alarm. The device is used to gain easy access into the vehicle.

These types of thefts are regarded as opportunistic crime and to avoid them the following safety measures must be adhered to at all times:

• Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
• Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicles glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!).
• Valuable items, laptops and cameras should be put in the boot of your car.
• Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tire, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car or rob your car.
• Try to keep your windows closed when driving in the city centre.
• Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at the robots.
• Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
• Lock your valuables in the cars boot before departure.
• At night, park in well-lit areas.
• Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.
• Store luggage in the cars boot where it is out of sight.
• Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the car.
• Do not leave your handbag/briefcase visible in the car.
• Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
• Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the car.
• Remove detachable radios and the radios face when getting out of the car.
• Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.
• Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.

·     Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.

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Media Enquiries:

Captain Thulani Zwane

071 683 6525

KwaZulu-Natal: Media Centre

South African Police Service

Corporate Communication

031 325 6083/6084/6085

031 325 6087

kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za