Popular car theft method makes comeback in major South African city

Private security firm Bull Security has observed a spike in remote jamming cases in Pretoria, particularly in shopping mall parking lots.

Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste noted that the incidents have mainly been reported in the eastern parts of the city such as in the Mooikloof area.

“These criminals will sit in the parking area waiting for you to get out of your vehicle,” said Jooste, as quoted by Pretoria Rekord.

“The moment you walk away, they will jam the signal from your remote locking device, which then prevents your vehicle from locking.”

Jooste warned motorists to double-check that their car’s doors are locked before walking away, and to never leave their valuables in plain sight.

If you notice that you are struggling to lock your vehicle, inform security immediately, he said.

“The device used to jam the signal can be as simple as an electric gate remote or more complex. Your car won’t be able to detect the remote signal in the ‘noise’, and it won’t lock,” said Jooste.

“You will think your car is locked, and when you walk away, your vehicle remains unlocked. This happens quickly, especially when you are busy, in a rush or are distracted by your phone or kids.”

For an added layer of protection, Jooste advised motorists to lock their car doors manually instead of relying on remote or keyless methods.

He also cautioned to never forget locking and checking the boot, as this is a frequent access point for thieves.

To render your car less attractive to criminals, park in a visible and busy location, preferably one with security cameras.

“Parking in a visible location will help deter would-be thieves,” said Jooste.

“If there are security cameras, it will also be a deterrent, although some criminals are brash enough to know that video footage is inconclusive at best.”

He urged motorists to always remain vigilant, ensure their vehicles are locked, and report any unusual activity to the centre management or security.

Car theft on the rise in Gauteng

The remote jamming warning comes mere weeks after the Insurance Crime Bureau (ICB) flagged a sharp increase in vehicle thefts across Gauteng.

It noted that there appears to be a syndicate targeting elderly female shoppers in the Pretoria and East Rand areas.

The suspects typically operate in groups comprising one female and two males, using distraction tactics to steal car keys from unsuspecting victims before making off with their vehicle from the parking area.

The ICB has reviewed camera footage showing that criminals generally target older females who put their handbags and car keys in the upper section of the shopping trolley.

After choosing their target, one of the thieves will deliberately create a diversion by bumping into the shopper with a trolley.

While distracted, an accomplice removes the car keys from the handbag or pickpockets the victim.

The keys are quickly handed to a third suspect, who exits the shop and uses them to steal the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot.

Once their confidant is out of sight, the remaining criminals proceed to calmly walk away in different directions to avoid suspicion.

“This well-coordinated modus operandi has been captured on CCTV footage, showing how the suspects deliberately bump into victims and discreetly remove keys, which are then handed off to an accomplice who quickly exits the shop,” said the ICB.

The ICB has urged the public to raise awareness on the matter by informing elderly relatives or acquaintances of the new tactic.

Additionally, it advises female shoppers in particular to keep their handbags and car keys close to their body and never unattended.

Finally, it said shoppers should be vigilant of groups matching the description above and report any suspicious activity to the authorities or centre management immediately.