Stolen vehicle worth R500k recovered on the N4, suspect arrested

A Toyota Fortuner stolen in Garsfontein was recovered on the N4 approaching Bronkhorstspruit on Sunday and a suspect was arrested.

According to Tshwane Flying Squad spokesperson Sergeant Alfred Legodi, a lookout alert for a stolen vehicle came in around 18:00 and an extensive search began.

“We received a lookout for the stolen vehicle and its co-ordinates from the tracking company showed that the car was on the N4,” said Legodi.

He said the squad proceeded to the N4 and followed the co-ordinates.

“The vehicle was found fitted with false registration plates on the N4 towards Bronkhorstspruit just after the weighbridge.
The suspect was detained at Boschkop police and is facing a charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.”

He said the vehicle is estimated to be worth R500,000.

“The fingerprint unit from Pretoria Central was summoned and the vehicle was taken to Pretoria West police pound for safekeeping,” Legodi said.

According to the latest crime stats from April-June, motor vehicle theft is still a huge problem for the Garsfontein policing precinct.

Police minister Senzo Mchunu released the stats on Friday, August 30, where it was revealed that Garsfontein is still plagued by motor vehicle and motorcycle theft.

The station has seen an increase of 57.1% in the theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

From April to June this year, the station has recorded a staggering 110 cases, 40 more compared to the same period a year ago.

Theft out of motor vehicles also continues to be a problem, with the station seeing a 12.9% increase in 79 recorded cases.

Security companies and forums have warned residents to be alert and to park in a secure area.

Crime expert Chris de Kock in June confirmed that the Garsfontein precinct was still plagued by motor-vehicle-related crimes such as theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motors, and motorcycle theft.

He said motor vehicle theft is dependent on the market. As long as there’s a major market, it will still grow.

According to De Kock, there are daily reports of stolen motor vehicles in Garsfontein.

“More than five cases are reported a week,” he said.

De Kock said theft out of motors is very prevalent in Garsfontein as well.

How to prevent theft from a motor vehicle:

Theft from a motor vehicle typically occurs in three situations, namely:
– Parked vehicle: Items are visible from the outside, and the window is smashed, or the door lock is broken or picked.
– Central locking system blockage: A jamming device blocks the vehicle’s central locking system as the owner locks it and walks away.
– Smash-and-grab: A car stops at a busy four-way stop or traffic light, and items in the cabin are easily seen. A spark plug, stone, or bolt is hurled through a side window, and items are snatched from the passenger or rear seats or the console.

Valuables such as cellphones, laptops/tablets, and handbags must be securely placed in the vehicle’s trunk (boot).
No item should be visible from the outside.

Essential items required at the next destination can be discreetly stored in the cabin, hidden under seats, indoor storage compartments, or closed consoles.

Practice safe parking practices:
– Always park in a secure area.
– There must be visible security guards and car guards.
– Establish a friendly relationship with security personnel and provide them with reasonable tips for their assistance.

Securing the vehicle:
– Before engaging in other activities, ensure your vehicle is locked, especially due to the rising use of jamming devices by thieves.
– Manually verify that the doors are locked after using a remote.

Preventing “Scout” Theft:
– At busy crossings like traffic lights and stop signs, theft often occurs facilitated by “scouts” signalling hidden accomplices.
– To prevent this, store all valuables in the trunk or hide necessary items within the cabin (under seats or indoor compartments).

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