Volkswagen Polo car owners in the Observatory and Salt River areas are cautioned to be alert as thieves are on the prowl for these vehicles.
According to the Woodstock police, there has been a surge in the theft of these vehicles.
Last month, the station recorded at least six cases of stolen Volkswagen Polo vehicles in the precinct.
Col Delven Matroos, the station Commander, says the incidents were first reported in Observatory. However, car owners in Salt River are now also being targeted.
These incidents occur between Thursday and Sunday, according to Matroos. He says police will continue to work with law enforcement, Metro Police, neighbourhood watches and private security to curb crime in the area.
He says no arrests have yet been made, police are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
Matroos encourages motorists to ensure their vehicles are locked all the time and be aware of their surroundings.
The officer appeals to residents to join the various community safety structures.
In May, the Observatory Improvement District (Obsid) recorded 17 vehicle-related thefts in its monthly public safety incident report.
These include theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motor vehicles, theft of car parts and attempted theft out of motor vehicles.
Obsid provides a public safety service, cleaning and greening services on the streets and in the parks, as well as outreach services to the homeless and other vulnerable residents.
According to Arrive Alive’s website, motorists should consider beefing up their car’s safety features by installing a car alarm, motion sensors, safety film (smash-and-grab protection) and vehicle tracking systems to secure their vehicles.
- Do not park in a dark area where there is limited traffic and no lights. While you may have an alarm and even a motion sensor, criminals have been found to break open body panels to cut battery power or alarm wires and it is very difficult for any manufacturer to fully protect a car against a committed criminal with a crowbar and no concern for the damage he causes.
- Hide any personal items of value out of sight of prying eyes.
- When you lock your car, make sure to check if the car is in fact locked. A car will not signal that it is locking if there is a signal jammer, but it doesn’t hurt to test the door handle and check. If your car doesn’t want to lock, you can lock it with the physical key, but double check with your dealer that the alarm activates if you lock the car in this way. Otherwise, simply move the car elsewhere.
- To report any criminal activity, contact the Woodstock Police Station on 021 442 3117.
