By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 September 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noticed with concern the number of incidents reported relating to the theft out of and from motor vehicles. The police are urging the public to adhere to and implement safety measures to curb this occurrence, especially during shopping trips, at guest houses, holiday destinations, social gatherings, homes and other public places and especially during the upcoming festive season.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock urged firearm owners not to leave them in the motor vehicles’ glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle as this is against the law. Kock said they should make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when they park their vehicles.
“Valuable items such as laptops, hand bags, shopping bags, cash and cameras should be locked in the boot and out of plain sight. Be aware of the people approaching you and informing you that you have a flat tyre, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the vehicle
“Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times, especially when driving in town. Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit as it can also lure criminals to your vehicle. At night, park in well-lit areas and not dark and secluded places,” he said.
Kock further said drivers should not leave their keys in the ignition. He added that they should remove detachable radios and the radio face when leaving their vehicle unattended.
“Try to install an alarm and/or anti-theft device. Use parking areas with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling, otherwise try to park in locations that are well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
“If you see something, say something, report criminality to your nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or the MySaps app. All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Kock.
The Guardian 