Remote jamming is on the rise, police and a private security company have warned.
Capt Aubrey Morwenyane, spokesperson of Bellville Police Station, said the police have seen numerous cases of remote jamming in Lower Oakdale and Bellville’s CBD as well as larger shopping areas in the larger Tyger Valley area.
Armed response company Fidelity ADT has also noticed an increase in cases in Boston and Welgemoed. its Tygerberg branch manager, André Erasmus, says vehicle owners must be alert to any suspicious activity when parking their vehicles.
“As far as possible, try to park your vehicle in an area where there is some security presence and constant foot traffic. Before walking away make sure your vehicle is properly locked and all windows are closed.”
Morwenyane agrees. “Motorists should make sure to double-check their vehicle doors before they leave vehicles. They must not leave important or valuable items such as laptops and cellphones lying around where criminals can see it. These are the most common goods reported stolen from vehicles.”
Erasmus said residents should alert police and law enforcement whenever suspicious activity is noted.
“The public has a very important role to play in being our eyes and ears. If you see someone loitering around parked cars or if you notice any behaviour that seems out of place, please speak up. It also helps police build a proper crime-trend picture.”
He recommends investing in new vehicle-tracking systems.
