PORT ELIZABETH - CAR THIEVES NOW TARGETING YOUR OLDER MODEL CARS IN THE PE AREA

Port Elizabeth police have warned motorists to take extra security precautions when parking their vehicles, following a spate of thefts of older model cars.

Spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said crime-trend analysis showed that the most common vehicles being stolen were older-model Toyota sedans, VW Golfs and motorcycles.

“The most vehicles stolen come from the Mount Road and Humewood policing areas,” she said.

“Most of the stolen vehicles are recovered abandoned in the Bethelsdorp, Gelvandale, New Brighton and Kwazakhele areas [although] some are taken to chop-shops, where they are dismantled for sale.

“There are also some instances where cars are stolen to be used by criminals to commit further crimes, such as robberies and burglaries.”

Naidu said older-model vehicles were targeted as many did not have an alarm or immobiliser system.

“Another trend shows that thieves target various car parks outside shopping centres or in densely populated areas. By taking a car in a busy area, they avoid detection,” she said.

“Before walking away from your car make sure the vehicle is locked. Do not press the remote lock once but at least two or three times – there have been instances where people have left their cars unlocked overnight.”

Patrons visiting restaurants and bars, particularly along the beachfront strip, were advised to park where there was adequate lighting.

“Never park your car in a lonely spot when taking a walk on the beach. And always remove valuables from the vehicle,” Naidu said.

VIA - heraldlive.co.za