- A rise in targeted thefts of Volkswagen Polos has prompted Rondebosch police to issue a warning to the community to take extra care and measures to protect their vehicles.
- The Rondebosch police are warning the community about the rising number of thefts of VW Polo vehicles in the area.
- There had been several incidents in which mostly white and silver VW Polo vehicles were stolen, during the day and at night.
With statistics to back the latest crime trend, a rise in targeted thefts of Volkswagen Polos has prompted Rondebosch police to issue a warning to the community to take extra care and measures to protect their vehicles.
“The Rondebosch police are warning the community about the rising number of thefts of VW Polo vehicles in the area,” warned spokesperson WO Lyndon Sisam. “We urge vehicle owners to be cautious and park their cars in secure places.”
He said there had been several incidents in which mostly white and silver VW Polo vehicles were stolen, during the day and at night. “The thefts have occurred in various locations, such as on-road parking, driveways, University of Cape Town (UCT) parking areas and complexes.”
This was backed by the Director and CEO of the Western Cape Stolen & Hijacked Vehicles NPC, which runs a group on Facebook. Wishing to protect his identity, he confirmed this trend. “The Rondebosch, Claremont and surrounding areas have seen several Volkswagen Polos disappear. They remain a thorn in everyone’s side.”
He also cited his agency’s statistics, which indicate 36 VW Polos were reported stolen in the Western Cape in January and 31 in February.
He said the UCT and Newlands Forest parking areas were known “hot spots”.
Sisam advised the local community to take preventive measures with these vehicles, by securing them; “ensuring your alarm works, installing a tracker system, even making use of a steering-wheel brake lock or installing an immobiliser or a ‘kill switch’ and parking the car behind locked gates or in a garage.”
Rondebosch police request that the public report any suspicious-looking activities to them on 021 685 6600 or the emergency services on 08600 10 111.
