Spokesperson for the Sandton police captain Kym Cloete has said there has been a trend of motor vehicle related crimes in sectors one (Gallo Manor, Rivonia, Sunninghill and Woodmead), two (Lonehill, Rietfontein, Paulshof, Bryanston, Klevehill Park, Petervale and River Club) and three (Benmore, Benmore Gardens, Dalecross, Duxberry, Glenadrienne, Hurl Park, Hurlingham, Little Filian, Moodie Hill, Morningside, New Brighton, Parkmore, Sandown, Sunset Acres, Sandhurst and Strathaven).
In a crime committed in sector one Cloete said, “In one of the theft out of motor vehicle incidents in Rivonia on 17 September, the complainant locked and parked the vehicle at about 7.41am. He returned and noticed that his belongings were stolen.” There was no forced entry and the investigation continues. The majority of the crimes in sector one were committed on Wednesday between 6pm and 8.05pm.
In sector two Cloete said there was a smash and grab incident in Bryanston on 13 September at 12.07am. The complainant was stationery at the robot when the suspect smashed the window and grabbed the complainant’s belongings and fled the scene. The police are still investigating the situation. Cloete added that the majority of the crimes occurred on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday between 12.15pm and 3pm.
In an ongoing investigation in sector three a theft out of motor vehicle incident occurred in Parkmore on 12 September where the complainant’s locked vehicle’s back window was smashed and his belonging stolen. Cloete said most of the crimes committed happened on Friday between 4pm and 8pm.
The Sandton police stress that residents remember the following:
* Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars.
* Make sure all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
* Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
* Jamming devices that are used are small and can look like a gate remote.
* When parking be aware of people sitting in motor vehicles pretending to read.
* Always close your windows 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 and be very aware at intersections.
* Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
* 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.
The police have arrested two suspects involved in motor vehicle related crimes. One suspect was arrested for possession of stolen motor vehicle and another was arrested for theft out of a motor vehicle.
