Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs urged residents to be careful when arriving or leaving their residences as they have noticed an increase of car hijackings in the area.
“Be on the lookout for any suspicious persons in the street or movement at your gate, and where possible ensure that you have adequate light at your entrance and that there are no obstructions like big shrubs,” advised WO Jacobs.
She said residents must always be vigilant. “When approaching your street look in your mirrors for any vehicles that might be following you and rather drive around the block to make sure you are not being followed – especially when you are returning from the airport,” she added.
WO Jacobs said as soon as residents have entered their homes, they must immediately close and lock their gate before off-loading from the vehicle. “Do not leave the gate open while you are busy off-loading into the house,” she emphasised.
Maggie Bezuidenthout of SRT Security also said residents need to be on a look-out, especially in Little Falls and Struben’s Valley for a red Golf 5 Gti with three male occupants that have been linked to stealing VW Polo vehicles. “Their modus operandi is to drop one person at the vehicle while the others drive around to see if any police vehicle or security car could be a threat. They then follow the stolen vehicle out of the area,” explained Bezuidenhout.
She also warned about the new number plate hijacking trend. “Hijackers follow you to a parking lot; after you leave your vehicle, they remove your number plate and wait. When you come back and drive off, they follow you. They then overtake you, displaying your number plate out of their window as if you’ve lost it, and they want to give it back to you.When you stop to get your number plate back, guns come out and they take your vehicle – sometimes you and the vehicle,” Bezuidenhout said.
She mentioned that this is a very well-rehearsed and organised plan, that happens in a blink of an eye. “Other motorists may not be aware of what is happening. If you find yourself in a situation like this, please report it to the police,” she concluded.
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