The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police Department have reportedly recovered 41 stolen vehicles in the last 10 months and arrested 77 suspects linked to these cases. This is a 58% increase when compared to last year.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate has noted that the most recovered vehicle brands include Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai. These stolen and hijacked vehicles were mostly found in Philippi, Lentegeur, Bishop Lavis, Manenberg, Gugulethu and Philippi East
At least six of the incidents occurred in Philippi, four in Lentegeur and three each in Bishop Lavis, Manenberg, Gugulethu and Philippi East.
According to the City, 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.
“These successes bear testament to responsive and present enforcement on the ground. And it goes so much deeper than just stolen or hijacked vehicles,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith
Smith says in many instances, the vehicle theft is just part of a bigger plan to commit other crimes like robbery. During vehicle recovery operations, officers reportedly 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.” added 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,”
According to Smith, the recovered vehicles are generally handed over to their owners once investigators have completed their relevant processes, like fingerprints and other potential evidence. The owner, however, 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 the one 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 provided by the City
