Vehicles worth more than R4 million were reportedly stolen in Kimberley within three days earlier this month. A Toyota Land Cruiser was stolen from a shopping mall parking lot on Wednesday, 2 September, followed by a Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Ford Raptor from another shopping mall two days later.

Northern Cape provincial police spokesperson WO Molefi Shemane said the Land Cruiser was recovered abandoned in Galeshewe on the same day it was stolen.

The police in Graskop, Mpumalanga, recovered the Ford Raptor abandoned at Graskop, 70km from the Mozambique border on Saturday, 5 September. Police are still searching for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and no arrests have been made for both recoveries.

He added the recent thefts came as a surprise to police, as vehicle thefts are not common in Kimberley. “In a quarter, or maybe within three months, there will only be one vehicle stolen. It doesn’t happen in Kimberley, so it took us by surprise.”

Shemane said shopping mall areas are a particular target for vehicle thieves, adding that police are focusing on these areas because vehicles have been stolen from both of Kimberley’s malls.

“The thieves use signal-jamming devices to steal the cars. What they normally do, is use a garage remote or gate remote control that they work around. So, when someone presses their remote to lock the car, they press it also, and the signals jam one another, with the gate remote blocking your car from being locked.

“Many people don’t go and check their cars if they are locked. They just press the alarm system and believe the car is locked.”

Expensive vehicles are among the main targets for thieves, like the two Fords and Toyota.

Police are urging motorists who park at shopping malls to physically check that their vehicles are locked after using the remote. Motorists are advised not to rely solely on the flashing light or alarm system.

People should also consider installing additional anti-theft devices, such as gear locks, as an added layer of protection.

“They must always be on high alert of their surroundings in parking areas. If they see people roaming around, they must report them to security so that the matter can be reported to the police and we will be able to attend to the complaint.”

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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