Cars worth R4 million stolen at malls in surprising South African city

Police in the Northern Cape have urged residents to remain on high alert and report suspicious persons or activities after a three-day spree of vehicle thefts worth more than R4 million from malls in Kimberley.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the provincial capital said it is concerned about the recent surge in motor vehicle thefts in the city.

The first vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, was stolen from a shopping mall parking area in Kimberley on Wednesday, 2 September.

Following this incident, on Friday, 4 September, two Ford bakkies – a Ranger Wildtrak and a Raptor – were also reported stolen from a shopping mall parking area in the city.

“The SAPS is investigating the incidents and is following all leads to identify and apprehend those responsible,” the police said in its statement.

“Information has also been received alleging that a male and female suspect may be moving around shopping mall parking areas using signal-jamming devices to interfere with vehicle locking systems.”

The information forms part of the ongoing investigation, and police are appealing for further public assistance, urging them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the police immediately.

The city’s police also issued a strong warning to vehicle owners not to assume their vehicles are locked simply because they pressed their remote locking button.

“Criminals may use signal-jamming devices to prevent vehicles from locking properly,” Kimberley SAPS explained.

“Vehicle owners are urged to physically check the doors before walking away from their vehicles.”

The warning was issued at a time when the city is experiencing an influx of visitors, with several sporting events and cultural festivals taking place.

“With increased numbers of visitors expected at shopping malls, sports grounds and festival venues, vehicle owners and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their vehicles and valuables,” SAPS said.

Guarding your car from signal-jamming

To help protect the province’s and the country’s motorists from becoming victims of opportunistic car thefts, SAPS in the Northern Cape shared a list of precautions to consider.

Police urged vehicle owners to:

• Physically check that their vehicle is locked after activating the remote locking system. Do not rely solely on the flashing lights or locking sound.
• Always lock all vehicle doors and ensure that windows are properly closed before leaving the vehicle.
• Do not leave vehicles unattended while the engine is running, even for a short period.
• Avoid leaving valuable items such as laptops, handbags, electronic devices or other valuables visible inside vehicles.
• Park in well-lit and, where possible, secure areas with visible security personnel or surveillance cameras.
• Be alert to suspicious persons loitering around parking areas and report such behaviour to security personnel or the SAPS.
• Avoid stopping in isolated or poorly lit areas, particularly at night.
• If approached by a stranger while inside your vehicle, keep the windows closed or open them only slightly if necessary. Do not open the vehicle door.
• If you notice that your vehicle has not locked properly, do not leave it unattended.
• Move to a safer location or seek assistance from security personnel.
• Consider installing additional anti-theft devices, such as a gear lock, as an added layer of protection.
• Avoid unnecessary trips at night and, where possible, travel with another person.

“The SAPS further appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and not to confront suspected criminals,” it said.

“Rather, immediately report suspicious behaviour to the police or the relevant security personnel.”

Police in the city have also called on the public to report any relevant information that could assist with the ongoing investigation.