Spate of car thefts leads to syndicate investigation

THE theft of at least 20 vehicles in Uitenhage and Despatch since November has prompted police to launch a probe into suspected syndicates.

Police suspect the vehicles are being stolen, either for resale or to be used to commit crimes, by several groups operating in the area.

In Uitenhage and Despatch, 11 vehicles – including three motorbikes – were stolen in November.

Five more vehicles were stolen last month and six this month.

Police spokeswoman Captain Gerda Swart said most of the vehicles were stolen while parked at houses.

A few were parked outside shopping centres.

A crime analysis showed the particular area the gangs operated in and the type of vehicles targeted, she said.

“We have noted an increase in theft of cars in the area and investigations are under way to identify the culprits,” she said.

Asked what types of cars were stolen, Swart said this varied from a 1979 VW Golf to a 2016 blue VW Polo.

“The devices they are using to gain access to the vehicles are also unknown at this stage.

“Some of the incidents took place on busy roads and shopping centres in broad daylight.

“This raises suspicion as to how they gain entry to the vehicles without being noticed,” she said.

Other vehicles stolen vary from bakkies to recent and older-model cars or motorbikes.

Swart said police were concerned about the increase in theft and urged motorists to park their cars inside a complex or in a garage when possible.

“We also recommend that visible anti-theft devices be installed.

“Our research shows us that car thieves tend to avoid cars with alarms or anti-theft devices because they attract attention when they go off – this definitely assists as a deterrent.”