The SAPS recently held their management forum and from discussions it emerged that there was a hike in vehicle theft in the Eastern Free State.
Analysis by crime intelligence revealed that clusters such as Phuthaditjhaba, Bethlehem, Ficksburg, and Ladybrand in the Eastern Free State experienced a hike in the theft of motor vehicles during the period of February to May 2013 as compared to the same period last year. It also emerged that the most targeted type of vehicles during that period were bakkies and minibuses that were taken to Lesotho and in some instances to Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal.
The findings revealed that most of the vehicles stolen were left unlocked as people got home after work or make a quick stop as they were reported stolen between 16:00 and 19:59.
“We make an appeal to the drivers not to let their guts down even in their yards, or in instances where a person leaves the car unlocked because he is making a quick stop somewhere. It is unfortunate because criminals use every opportunity they can get, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, including intercepting car locks with remote controls” said Lieutenant General Sitole.
Date:
