The Metro Police Department recovered 41 stolen vehicles in the space of 10 months – 58% up on the year before. Officers also made 77 arrests linked to these incidents.
Metro Police officers are generally tipped off to potential stolen vehicles either during physical stops where they run the licence plate or check for indicators like the VIN numbers; alerts via their control room or alerts from the number plate recognition technology linked to the CCTV network.
In the space of 10 months up until the end of April, officers recovered 41 vehicles and arrested 77 suspects on 105 charges.
By vehicle brand, Toyota, Nissan and Huyndai were recovered most often – by area, at least six of the incidents occurred in Philippi, four in Lentegeur and three each in Bishop Lavis, Manenberg, Gugulethu and Philippi East.
‘These successes bear testament to responsive and present enforcement on the ground. And it goes so much deeper than just stolen or hijacked vehicles. In many instances, the vehicle theft is just part of a bigger plan to commit other crimes like robbery. Our officers recovered 41 stolen vehicles, but they also recovered firearms, cellphones, cash and bank cards in some of the incidents. More importantly, they arrested suspects who could potentially be linked to other, more serious crimes,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Apart from charges of possession of stolen vehicles, some of the 77 suspects detained have also faced additional charges including fraud, hijacking, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property.
Vehicles that are recovered by City enforcement agencies are booked in at the South African Police Services (SAPS) pound in Stikland.
The vehicles are generally handed over to their owners once investigators have completed their relevant processes like fingerprints and other potential evidence – the owner has to be able to provide proof of ownership before the vehicle is released.
To mitigate the risk of falling victim to car theft or hijacking:
- Always lock your doors and keep windows closed at all times
- Park in well-lit, secure areas and ensure that your vehicle is locked – beware of remote jamming
- When driving, leave enough room between your car and that in front of you, to avoid being boxed in
- Attract the attention of other road users if you think you are in danger. Hoot, shout, flash your lights or put your emergency lights on
- Be vigilant at all times, and mindful of suspicious or erratic behaviour from other drivers
More safety tips are available here: https://bit.ly/3F0NVbB
