Effective vehicle tracking a MUST to combat organized vehicle theft!

I have been fortunate in not yet having been the victim of car theft. My former boss had his bakkie stolen a few years ago from a golf club in Bloemfontein. I will never forget the response from the car guard.

As he was standing there dumbfounded at the empty parking space where he left his bakkie a few hours earlier, the car guard walked up to him and said “Don’;t worry Sir, I have the Registration number…!”

As I had to travel much more to Gauteng recently on business, I have also been exposed to many more stories from friends on how and where their vehicles and those of their friends were stolen. With this in mind I have decided to have vehicle tracking installed by Ctrack.

This makes a small difference in reducing my monthly car insurance premium, but a much bigger difference to my peace of mind.

Johan Theron from Ctrack with Nelio and Xanthe De Sa after installation of a tracking device for the coffee vending delivery vehicle

It is not only the individual vehicle owner that is targeted, but especially the business owner transporting cargo. A good friend and partner in Rugby15, Nelio De Sa has a coffee vending machine business called Coffeebreak and he has also decided to monitor his delivery vehicle with the tracking provided by Ctrack. This will allow him not only protection from hijacking but also improved efficiency and cost saving from the effective routing of the vehicle.

During recent discussions with transport and crash investigator Stan Bezuidenhout it has become clear that hijackings have become much more organized and professional. It is especially true when we take a closer look at the transportation of cargo! We decided to share a rather comprehensive section of content on the topic of Truck Hijackings, Crime and Road Safety on the Arrive Alive website and would like to invite vehicle and fleet owners to read this at:

Truck Hijackings, Crime and Road Safety
Much of the insights in this Q&A also corresponds with the feedback received from a recent Q&A between Focus on Transport and Logistics and vehicle tracking company Ctrack. We would like to share some of these insights:

1. What is the general trend surrounding the hijacking of trucks with cargo in South Africa?

Hijackers target loads that either offer high value goods such as cell phones, tablets, expensive alcohol that they have a definite market for or loads that that can be disposed off quickly such as nappies, cigarettes or any FMG’s.

2. What is the latest Modus Operandi when it comes to Truck jacking?

Without writing a training guide for inexperienced hijackers: The hijackers would gain access to the vehicle by waiting for an opportunity at truck stops, acting as passengers at toll gates or by waiting at environments where the vehicle has to stop. If not possible they would simply pose a law enforcement officers and force vehicle off the road to gain access. The use of SAPS marked vehicles has been on the increase
Hijackers would make use of technology to suppress tracking devices and then “disappear” with the vehicle for some time. During such “disappearing periods” loads are offloaded and placed in storage at pre arranged locations. Unless there is a specific need to retain the vehicle or trailer they would abandon the vehicle after offloading.

3. Do you find that thieves are after the cargo, the truck or both?

The vehicle type has some significance. Smaller vehicle do tend to be utilized after the hijack while bigger vehicles are normally abandoned. Hijackers are not opportunist, they are organised and would know exactly their cause of action, from taking the vehicle to storage of the load to the disposal or utilization of the vehicle afterwards. Vehicle that are stolen to retain are normally taken cross border (Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana) but these, when found, are recovered by our teams as we do not only have a National footprint but also an Southern African footprint.

4. What solutions do you offer to the industry (I.e. tracking systems for the cargo)?

Ctrack has solutions to track the trailer, the horse or the entire combination. If the trailer is hooked by a horse fitted with a Ctrack unit the trailer unit would pair with the horse unit thus tracking the combination. This results in communication cost saving on the trailer. However should the trailer be linked to a different horse it would track independently as a standalone.
Ctrack do offer a live wireless solution that can be placed in the cargo allowing visibility of the cargo when outside the trailer.

5. What is the success rate of recoveries?

There are a number of factors that have an impact on our success rate. We have found that 80% of vehicles stolen happens in the greater Gauteng area. The hotspots have been identified by all service providers and a lot of focus has been placed on collaboration between service provider and transporter to ensure that we can all improve on the current status.
The jamming of units have played a big role in our ability to recover but we have a 93% success rate on recovering vehicles.

6. What would you suggest a driver do in the event of high jacking?

How impossible this might sound the best advice for the driver is to keep calm and cooperate. These thugs do not hesitate to cause harm to anyone. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings and be on the look-out for conditions or events that could compromise the individual, the vehicle and the cargo. The sooner the driver becomes aware of a possible hijack scenario the more time he will have to counter act by activating a panic button or reporting his distress.

7. Should there be a bit more secrecy around the counter measures by tracking companies?

A lot has been communicated in the media the past couple of months. Some of the detail reported on compromises the initiative taken by companies to safeguard individuals, vehicles and cargo. The more the media reports on counter measures deployed by tracking companies and transporters the more information the hijackers have to counter these measures.

Also view:

Hijack Prevention Guidelines

Fleet Management and Road Safety

Having your vehicle always visible with Ctrack

Effective vehicle tracking a MUST to combat organized vehicle theft!

Two suspects arrested after stolen car is recovered and car theft implements seized

Members of the SAPS Port Shepstone 10111 Highway Patrol sourced information on a stolen motor vehicle being stripped in Nkombo Ward, Malangeni and on 28 January 2015, they raided the premises. They allegedly found the suspects busy stripping a Toyota Avanza that had been stolen in Berea on 24 January 2015. Ndodo Clifford Dlamini (41) and Bhekumuzi Protas Dube (24) were arrested and detained until their first appearance in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on 30 January 2015. They were remanded back into police custody until their next appearance on 4 February 2015. They are facing charges of theft of motor vehicle and being in possession of car-breaking implements.

Police impounded the Toyota Avanza and seized a large quantity of tools, ignition switches, an angle grinder, sanding machine, compressor and various items that are used to panel-beat and spray paint a vehicle. Among the seized items were a die stamp punch set that is used to print a false engine number after the original has been filed off. The owner of the Avanza had parked her vehicle in St Thomas Road and when she returned later, she discovered that the vehicle had been stolen. A case of theft was reported to the Berea police station. The case was subsequently transferred to Detective Warrant Officer Ian Mbhele of the Port Shepstone Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) for investigation.

Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner commended the members of the Port Shepstone 10111 Highway Patrol for their sterling work. “The Highway Patrol has made a significant impact on crime within a short space of time. The members have made a number of successful arrests and recoveries of stolen property and drugs since their unit was introduced late last year. I urge them to continue in this vein, thereby keeping our communities safe,” she said.

What are the tools and devices used may modern day vehicle thieves?

Captain Geoff Ngcobo, Acting Station Commander, with the seized car-breaking implements and equipment

Two suspects arrested after stolen car is recovered and car theft implements seized

Two suspects arrested after stolen car is recovered and car theft implements seized

Members of the SAPS Port Shepstone 10111 Highway Patrol sourced information on a stolen motor vehicle being stripped in Nkombo Ward, Malangeni and on 28 January 2015, they raided the premises. They allegedly found the suspects busy stripping a Toyota Avanza that had been stolen in Berea on 24 January 2015. Ndodo Clifford Dlamini (41) and Bhekumuzi Protas Dube (24) were arrested and detained until their first appearance in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on 30 January 2015. They were remanded back into police custody until their next appearance on 4 February 2015. They are facing charges of theft of motor vehicle and being in possession of car-breaking implements.

Police impounded the Toyota Avanza and seized a large quantity of tools, ignition switches, an angle grinder, sanding machine, compressor and various items that are used to panel-beat and spray paint a vehicle. Among the seized items were a die stamp punch set that is used to print a false engine number after the original has been filed off. The owner of the Avanza had parked her vehicle in St Thomas Road and when she returned later, she discovered that the vehicle had been stolen. A case of theft was reported to the Berea police station. The case was subsequently transferred to Detective Warrant Officer Ian Mbhele of the Port Shepstone Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) for investigation.

Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner commended the members of the Port Shepstone 10111 Highway Patrol for their sterling work. “The Highway Patrol has made a significant impact on crime within a short space of time. The members have made a number of successful arrests and recoveries of stolen property and drugs since their unit was introduced late last year. I urge them to continue in this vein, thereby keeping our communities safe,” she said.

What are the tools and devices used may modern day vehicle thieves?

Captain Geoff Ngcobo, Acting Station Commander, with the seized car-breaking implements and equipment

Two suspects arrested after stolen car is recovered and car theft implements seized

Suspect in court for theft of vehicle from the parking lot of a shopping centre in Pretoria

A 40 year old man appeared in the Bela Bela Magistrates’ Court on a charge of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, after he was found hiding a vehicle which was stolen from the parking lot of a shopping centre in Pretoria last year.

The suspect, Cornelius Jansen van Rensburg was arrested over the weekend after police members followed up information about a Toyoya Hilux double cab which was hidden in a shack at the Donosa informal settlement just outside Bela Bela. The vehicle was recovered and when circulated it was found to have been stolen from the Sinoville Mall where it was parked in the parking lot during October last year.

The case against the suspect was remanded to 26 January 2014 for further investigation – he was not released on bail and will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

Investigations to determine whether the suspect might be involved in more cases of vehicle theft are currently underway.

Suspect in court for theft of vehicle from the parking lot of a shopping centre in Pretoria

Vehicle Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance Crime Bureau these days released a historic appear at vehicle theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 far more than a 48 percent to 2013.

California has the distinction of becoming the only state to have the most automobile thefts for every single year given that 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 automobiles were stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technologies and revolutionary law enforcement applications, like the use of bait cars and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technologies, but auto makers have been outfitting autos with more and much more theft prevention products—from wise keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB is supported by more than 1,25 property/casualty insurance organizations and self-insured organizations.

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Vehicle Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

Car Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance Crime Bureau nowadays released a historic look at vehicle theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 far more than a 48 % to 2013.

California has the distinction of being the only state to have the most car thefts for each year considering that 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 automobiles have been stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technology and revolutionary law enforcement programs, such as the use of bait vehicles and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technologies, but auto makers have been outfitting autos with far more and a lot more theft prevention products—from wise keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB is supported by far more than 1,100 property/casualty insurance businesses and self-insured organizations.

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BusinesFirst Enters Workers’ Compensation Marketplace in Georgia

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Car Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

Vehicle Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau these days released a historic appear at vehicle theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 more than a 48 percent to 2013.

California has the distinction of becoming the only state to have the most car thefts for every single year considering that 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 cars were stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technology and innovative law enforcement programs, including the use of bait vehicles and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technology, but auto makers have been outfitting automobiles with far more and a lot more theft prevention products—from wise keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB is supported by much more than 1,100 house/casualty insurance coverage companies and self-insured organizations.

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Vehicle Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

Car Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau right now released a historic look at car theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 more than a 48 % to 2013.

California has the distinction of being the only state to have the most vehicle thefts for every single year since 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 cars had been stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technologies and innovative law enforcement programs, including the use of bait vehicles and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technologies, but auto makers have been outfitting automobiles with much more and more theft prevention products—from sensible keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-primarily based NICB is supported by a lot more than 1,25 property/casualty insurance coverage businesses and self-insured organizations.

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BusinesFirst Enters Workers’ Compensation Market place in Georgia

Subsequent write-up »

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Car Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

Car Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau these days released a historic appear at automobile theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 more than a 48 percent to 2013.

California has the distinction of becoming the only state to have the most car thefts for every single year since 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 automobiles had been stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technology and innovative law enforcement programs, including the use of bait cars and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technologies, but auto makers have been outfitting automobiles with far more and much more theft prevention products—from sensible keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB is supported by more than 1,25 property/casualty insurance organizations and self-insured organizations.

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BusinesFirst Enters Workers’ Compensation Marketplace in Georgia

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XL Group Offers Ar2rks Coverage in UK for Art Exhibitions

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Car Theft in California Down 48 % From Peak, Report Shows

Automobile Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance Crime Bureau today released a historic look at vehicle theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 more than a 48 percent to 2013.

California has the distinction of being the only state to have the most vehicle thefts for each year since 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 vehicles were stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technology and innovative law enforcement programs, including the use of bait cars and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technology, but auto manufacturers have been outfitting vehicles with more and more theft prevention products—from smart keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property/casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations.

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BusinesFirst Enters Workers’ Compensation Market in Georgia

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Automobile Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

Vehicle Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance Crime Bureau these days released a historic look at vehicle theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 more than a 48 % to 2013.

California has the distinction of being the only state to have the most automobile thefts for every single year given that 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 cars were stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technologies and innovative law enforcement applications, such as the use of bait automobiles and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technology, but auto manufacturers have been outfitting cars with much more and far more theft prevention products—from sensible keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-based NICB is supported by far more than 1,25 home/casualty insurance firms and self-insured organizations.

« Prior post

BusinesFirst Enters Workers’ Compensation Marketplace in Georgia

Next article »

XL Group Delivers Ar2rks Coverage in UK for Art Exhibitions

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Subscribe to our free of charge e-mail newsletter.

Vehicle Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

Car Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

The National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau nowadays released a historic appear at car theft in California that shows thefts dropped from a peak year in 1992 more than a 48 percent to 2013.

California has the distinction of being the only state to have the most automobile thefts for every single year because 1960.

The state hit a peak in 1993, when 320,112 cars had been stolen. By 2013 that had dropped to 165,292 thefts. NICB credited technologies and revolutionary law enforcement programs, including the use of bait cars and license plate readers.

Not only is law enforcement exploiting technology, but auto companies have been outfitting vehicles with much more and much more theft prevention products—from smart keys to immobilizers to tracking systems, according to NICB.

The nonprofit Des Plaines, Ill.-primarily based NICB is supported by a lot more than 1,25 house/casualty insurance coverage businesses and self-insured organizations.

« Preceding report

BusinesFirst Enters Workers’ Compensation Market in Georgia

Subsequent post »

XL Group Offers Ar2rks Coverage in UK for Art Exhibitions

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Car Theft in California Down 48 Percent From Peak, Report Shows

Two suspects to appear in court for theft of Earth Moving Equipment

2 suspects, Sam Andries Maimela, 33, and his accomplice, Wonder Solly Masango, 21, who were arrested by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Cross Border Operations Unit for alleged theft of 2 Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB’s) worth a combined estimated R3 million, will appear in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistratres’ Court on 15 August 2014.

The unit’s members seized one of the TLB’s at a house in Winterveldt, Pretoria, whilst the second was found hidden at a house just metres away from the initial property. Upon inspection of the earth moving equipment, the police discovered that their chassis number had been tempered with.

The machinery was impounded and taken to Loate Police Station for safe keeping. It was while the TLB’s were at the station that the suspects were arrested by members of the Loate Police Station when they were trying to steal the machinery and one of the TLB’s was already idling.

Preliminary investigations by the members revealed that one of the TLB’s was reported stolen in Amandasig, north of Pretoria, and has since been handed over to the owner. The remaining TLB is in safekeeping at a local SAPS vehicle impounding facility.

The suspects, Maimela and Masango who are facing theft charges have appeared in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court on 27 July 2014 and were granted R1000 bail. They will appear in the same court again on Friday.

Two suspects to appear in court for theft of Earth Moving Equipment

Officials: Etch Your VIN and Stow Your Valuables to Fight Car Theft

The very best thing for drivers to do is stow their valuables to fight a new way that criminals are breaking into vehicles, according to the National Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB).

Criminals are using “scanner boxes” to “pop some factory-produced electronic locks in seconds,” according to the NICB. The devices use technology for keyless auto entry, which drivers typically use for effortless 1-click access to their car or to avert obtaining locked out.

“Our law enforcement partners inform us they are seeing this variety of criminal activity and have recovered some of the illegal devices,” Joe Wehrle, NICB’s president, said in a statement. “And however, some of these devices are offered on the web.”

USA Right now reported that the technology might be linked to auto burglaries in Lengthy Beach, Calif., last year, when police said an “unknown technology” had allowed a trio of thieves quick access to 8 automobiles in 1 evening.

According to the NICB, drivers must take the following precautions to shield themselves:

• Lock your automobile no matter exactly where you leave it.


• Close windows and sun roofs.


• Hide tempting products, such as navigation systems (along with their suction cup mounts), telephone or electronic device adaptors and energy plugs.


• Put shopping bags in the trunk.


• Conceal visible cargo.

What Complete Coverage Does — and Doesn’t — Cover

Complete coverage covers drivers if their automobile is stolen. But this gets trickier when it comes to automobile break-ins like the ones described above.

In the case of break-in, complete coverage only applies to permanent components of your car like your auto window, locks or catalytic converter that are stolen or broken in the incident.

In some cases, even your vehicle stereo is not assured to be covered by extensive, according to Progressive.

Other things stolen from a car in a automobile burglary, like purses and wallets, are not covered by auto insurance. You will want home owners insurance coverage coverage, or renters or condo, to cover those types of losses.

NICB Also Promotes VIN Etching

The NICB also promotes car identification quantity (VIN) etching, which reduces the chance of thefts of automobiles and car components.

Some providers also offer car insurance coverage discounts for VIN-etched vehicles.

The NICB partnered with the Auto Club and neighborhood law enforcement to host free of charge VIN-etching events in Torrance and Anaheim Hills, 2 suburbs in California.

According to KCAL 9 in Los Angeles, Auto Club drivers can verify with their regional branch about other cost-free VIN-etching events.

On the web Auto Insurance not too long ago published a series about auto theft and how to avert it. Verify out those stories:

• Safeguard Your Auto


• My Car’s Been Stolen! Now What?


• Big Vehicles, Huge Theft Targets: Tips for Sports Utility, Crossover Vehicles


• A lot of Vehicles, a Lot of Thefts: A Look at Thefts of Compact Vehicles


• Quick Theft Information for Quickly Cars: How to Safeguard Your Sporty Vehicle


• New Auto Theft Trends Target Health club Rats, Distracted Drivers

Officials: Etch Your VIN and Stow Your Valuables to Fight Car Theft

Shield Your Vehicle: Guidelines for Auto Theft Awareness Month

Some facts: We’re heading into Independence Day weekend the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that the vacation has the 7th-highest theft numbers of any holiday annually, the summer season season is higher-time for larger theft figures and July is Auto Theft Awareness Month.

Sounds like the perfect time for motorists to be on guard. Here are some anti-theft tips from certain-fire sources:

Preserve Your Crucial with You

The Los Angeles Police Division (LAPD), which polices a city where car theft makes up nearly a 4th of all house crimes, says that car thieves will take any possibility to make off in your ride.

And leaving your keys anywhere but your pocket is giving those thieves a large chance. From the LAPD:

• By no means leave your automobile operating unattended, even to dash into a company, retailer, or home.


• By no means leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-essential boxes.

Far more info:
Automobiles with keyless entry or crucial codes can still be vulnerable to theft, according to the NICB. So owners of such vehicles, which are generally later-model vehicles with anti-theft technology, must nevertheless be wary.

In no way Leave Valuables in Sight

More from the LAPD:

• By no means leave valuables in plain view, even if your vehicle is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.

But automobile thieves target far more than just the valuables in your car—parts of your automobile can be just as beneficial.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), automobile thieves can strip a vehicle down in a half-hour. Plus, the final payoff for components is often worth a number of instances far more than the vehicle itself.

“Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen car components thieves take,” the federal officials say. “They want what ever sells, from the mandated labeled components to those that aren’t. Among some of the most common parts or things left in vehicles are: engine, transmission, air bags, radios, GPS units, iPods, laptops, and purses.”

A lot more info:
On-line Auto Insurance has the lowdown on theft of catalytic converters and tailgates.

Close and Lock All Windows and Doors

About half of all automobile thefts are “due to driver error,” according to the NHTSA.

Leaving your doors and/or windows open is a big mistake. The LAPD says a driver need to lock up and close every thing in the vehicle even if it is parked “in front of your residence.”

A lot more info:
Even at a gas station, leaving your door/window ajar can be the essential slipup a thief is hunting for, according to a video advisory from the NHTSA.

Park in Effectively-lit Locations

No thief desires to do his enterprise in complete view. According to the NHTSA, much more than half of car thefts come about in “areas exactly where cars are parked without attendants.”

So leave your auto in a higher-targeted traffic, properly-lit area to ward off criminals.

Far more info:
California has extended held the unwanted title of “state with the highest number of vehicle thefts,” according to the NICB. But a closer appear at theft figures in the Golden State sheds a small a lot more light (no pun intended) on the problem. According to USA These days, the 3 Californian spots exactly where automobiles are stolen most are Barkersfield, Fresno and Modesto, in the state’s “less populous farm belt.” Those locations need to have much less lighting for much less people, but that also indicates a bigger chance for thieves.

Shield Your Vehicle: Guidelines for Auto Theft Awareness Month

Vehicle Theft syndicate cracked and 4 vehicles recovered in Middelburg, Mpumalanga

A car hijacking gang which has been terrorising the community of Mhluzi in Middelburg, Mpumalanga has been thwarted. Police in Dennilton have arrested 3 suspects after they were found possession of 4 suspected stolen vehicles on Wednesday.

The recovered vehicles, 2 Nissan LDVs, were reported stolen in Mhluzi and Kwagafontein, whilst a Ford Bantam and a Toyota Conquest were both reported stolen in Mhluzi. A compressor, a crow bar, body cutter and a chopped body of a yet to be identified vehicle have also been seized. The 3 are also suspected to have been involved in a spate of house robberies around the area

The arrested suspects, whose ages range between 26 and 31, will appear before the Dennilton Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Also view:

Vehicle Theft and Car Insurance

Vehicle Theft syndicate cracked and 4 vehicles recovered in Middelburg, Mpumalanga

Motorists advised to guard against theft from vehicles at shopping centres

The incidents of theft out of motor vehicles are staggering with a disturbing increase in cases recently in Bloemfontein as thieves are striking at parking lots in various shopping malls around the City. According to situational analysis it is revealed that most of the incidents are due to negligence and sheer carelessness of some motorists. It has also been noted that an absence of vigilance exists with regard to criminal element that lie in wait.

As a result the police would like to issue warnings to the motorists to be extra careful when locking their vehicles and ensuring that they are in fact properly locked before they walk away. The police have also discovered a new trend and tactic that gives the thieves the opportunity to steal valuables out of various makes and models of vehicles without having to gain entry forcibly. Their modus operandi is that those criminals fool motorists into thinking that they have locked their vehicles simply by pressing the button on a gate remote to block the signal sent simultaneously from the vehicle`s keys by its owner which interferes with the locking mechanism frequency on your vehicle remote and your vehicle do not lock. As soon as you are out of sight, they then help themselves with any valuable items they want from your car without forced entry.

As it is a common knowledge that most people who are having vehicles with remote controls sometimes just press their remotes and turn away without looking or checking whether their vehicles are locked. These criminals are out there waiting and watching when you press your remote to lock your vehicle. They walk around in the parking bays as if they are ordinary people and nobody suspects them.

It is with this that we want to create public awareness so that people make sure that their vehicles are locked regardless of where a vehicle is parked even in the yard, make doubly certain that the central locking system is fully and properly activated, both visually and audibly. If you suspect that someone disturbs you during this procedures report the incident to the nearest police station.

At this stage we have increased police visibility at all identified hotspots and this resulted in arresting number of suspects and this showed that our strategies are paying dividends and therefore appealing to the motorists to start doing their part by protecting their properties.

These types of thefts are regarded as opportunistic crime and to avoid them the motorists are advised to take note of the following safety measures that must be adhered to at all times;

 Make sure that all doors and windows are properly locked when you park your vehicle.
 Motorist to physically ensure that doors are properly locked after activating the alarm.
 Valuable items such as laptops, cameras, cell phones, wallets and handbags should be put in the boot of your vehicle.
 Do not place valuables in the boot whilst people are watching and there is a tendency of suspects breaking rear windows and stealing such properties from the boot.
 At night park at well-lit street.
 Remove detachable radios or radio faces when parking your vehicle
 Parking lots with parking attendant or someone patrolling are the best.

Advice via SAPS

Also view:

Motorists warned of increase in car theft through immobilizer jamming in Johannesburg 

Caution is required to protect from “immobilizer” and “signal jamming” thieves

Vehicle Theft and Car Insurance

;

Motorists advised to guard against theft from vehicles at shopping centres

Motorists advised to guard against theft from vehicles at shopping centres

The incidents of theft out of motor vehicles are staggering with a disturbing increase in cases recently in Bloemfontein as thieves are striking at parking lots in various shopping malls around the City. According to situational analysis it is revealed that most of the incidents are due to negligence and sheer carelessness of some motorists. It has also been noted that an absence of vigilance exists with regard to criminal element that lie in wait.

As a result the police would like to issue warnings to the motorists to be extra careful when locking their vehicles and ensuring that they are in fact properly locked before they walk away. The police have also discovered a new trend and tactic that gives the thieves the opportunity to steal valuables out of various makes and models of vehicles without having to gain entry forcibly. Their modus operandi is that those criminals fool motorists into thinking that they have locked their vehicles simply by pressing the button on a gate remote to block the signal sent simultaneously from the vehicle`s keys by its owner which interferes with the locking mechanism frequency on your vehicle remote and your vehicle do not lock. As soon as you are out of sight, they then help themselves with any valuable items they want from your car without forced entry.

As it is a common knowledge that most people who are having vehicles with remote controls sometimes just press their remotes and turn away without looking or checking whether their vehicles are locked. These criminals are out there waiting and watching when you press your remote to lock your vehicle. They walk around in the parking bays as if they are ordinary people and nobody suspects them.

It is with this that we want to create public awareness so that people make sure that their vehicles are locked regardless of where a vehicle is parked even in the yard, make doubly certain that the central locking system is fully and properly activated, both visually and audibly. If you suspect that someone disturbs you during this procedures report the incident to the nearest police station.

At this stage we have increased police visibility at all identified hotspots and this resulted in arresting number of suspects and this showed that our strategies are paying dividends and therefore appealing to the motorists to start doing their part by protecting their properties.

These types of thefts are regarded as opportunistic crime and to avoid them the motorists are advised to take note of the following safety measures that must be adhered to at all times;

 Make sure that all doors and windows are properly locked when you park your vehicle.
 Motorist to physically ensure that doors are properly locked after activating the alarm.
 Valuable items such as laptops, cameras, cell phones, wallets and handbags should be put in the boot of your vehicle.
 Do not place valuables in the boot whilst people are watching and there is a tendency of suspects breaking rear windows and stealing such properties from the boot.
 At night park at well-lit street.
 Remove detachable radios or radio faces when parking your vehicle
 Parking lots with parking attendant or someone patrolling are the best.

Advice via SAPS

Also view:

Motorists warned of increase in car theft through immobilizer jamming in Johannesburg 

Caution is required to protect from “immobilizer” and “signal jamming” thieves

Vehicle Theft and Car Insurance

;

Motorists advised to guard against theft from vehicles at shopping centres

Motorists advised to guard against theft from vehicles at shopping centres

The incidents of theft out of motor vehicles are staggering with a disturbing increase in cases recently in Bloemfontein as thieves are striking at parking lots in various shopping malls around the City. According to situational analysis it is revealed that most of the incidents are due to negligence and sheer carelessness of some motorists. It has also been noted that an absence of vigilance exists with regard to criminal element that lie in wait.

As a result the police would like to issue warnings to the motorists to be extra careful when locking their vehicles and ensuring that they are in fact properly locked before they walk away. The police have also discovered a new trend and tactic that gives the thieves the opportunity to steal valuables out of various makes and models of vehicles without having to gain entry forcibly. Their modus operandi is that those criminals fool motorists into thinking that they have locked their vehicles simply by pressing the button on a gate remote to block the signal sent simultaneously from the vehicle`s keys by its owner which interferes with the locking mechanism frequency on your vehicle remote and your vehicle do not lock. As soon as you are out of sight, they then help themselves with any valuable items they want from your car without forced entry.

As it is a common knowledge that most people who are having vehicles with remote controls sometimes just press their remotes and turn away without looking or checking whether their vehicles are locked. These criminals are out there waiting and watching when you press your remote to lock your vehicle. They walk around in the parking bays as if they are ordinary people and nobody suspects them.

It is with this that we want to create public awareness so that people make sure that their vehicles are locked regardless of where a vehicle is parked even in the yard, make doubly certain that the central locking system is fully and properly activated, both visually and audibly. If you suspect that someone disturbs you during this procedures report the incident to the nearest police station.

At this stage we have increased police visibility at all identified hotspots and this resulted in arresting number of suspects and this showed that our strategies are paying dividends and therefore appealing to the motorists to start doing their part by protecting their properties.

These types of thefts are regarded as opportunistic crime and to avoid them the motorists are advised to take note of the following safety measures that must be adhered to at all times;

 Make sure that all doors and windows are properly locked when you park your vehicle.
 Motorist to physically ensure that doors are properly locked after activating the alarm.
 Valuable items such as laptops, cameras, cell phones, wallets and handbags should be put in the boot of your vehicle.
 Do not place valuables in the boot whilst people are watching and there is a tendency of suspects breaking rear windows and stealing such properties from the boot.
 At night park at well-lit street.
 Remove detachable radios or radio faces when parking your vehicle
 Parking lots with parking attendant or someone patrolling are the best.

Advice via SAPS

Also view:

Motorists warned of increase in car theft through immobilizer jamming in Johannesburg 

Caution is required to protect from “immobilizer” and “signal jamming” thieves

Vehicle Theft and Car Insurance

;

Motorists advised to guard against theft from vehicles at shopping centres

Security guards arrested for attempted theft of three forklifts in Wadeville

Members from Elsburg SAPS responded swiftly when a complaint was received regarding alleged theft at a company in Moore Street, Wadeville.

According to information received, it was alleged that a truck was found to be inside the business premises busy loading 3 (3) forklifts.  Upon arrival, members searched the business premises for possible suspects. The members interrogated the security guards that were present on the premises and after viewing video footage it was established that the security guards were involved in the attempted theft of the forklifts.

One suspect was later arrested by the members of Elsburg SAPS after they have studied the video footage and have linked the suspect identified in the video footage. The suspect informed the police that the head of the security guards was alleged to be the master brain behind the attempted theft. Consequently, the suspect led the police to the 4th suspect’s residential premises where he was arrested by Officers of the Detective Services of Elsburg SAPS.

The suspects age 28, 32, 25 and 35 was detained at Elsburg SAPS and will appear in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court today, 19 May 2014.

Security guards arrested for attempted theft of three forklifts in Wadeville