Bay vehicle crimes rocket

A SPATE of vehicle thefts in Meerensee on Good Friday left community members on high alert after three were stolen in separate incidents.

It was reported that a Toyota Hilux was stolen outside a church while the family was attending the morning service.

The theft was discovered after the church service ended, and the vehicle was located at about 2pm by the tracking service provider working with Mtubatuba Saps.

Meanwhile, later that evening, at about 6pm, a Nissan bakkie was reported stolen from behind Marlin Mall in Meerensee.

Around 9pm, the owners of a Polo Vivo were shocked to find their vehicle missing after having attended a birthday celebration at the Richards Bay Ski Boat Club.

Their vehicle was parked outside the premises, in the parking lot at Alkanstrand.

Meerensee CPF patrollers were out in force and remained on high alert as numerous thefts out of motor vehicles were also reported over the long weekend.

Sound systems and other valuables such as purses were stolen.

While police could not confirm if there were any links between the thefts that occurred in different areas of the suburb, they have appealed to motorists to be extra cautious.

Richards Bay Saps communications officer Captain Debbie Ferreira urged residents to ensure their vehicles are securely locked, and to check for any threats of possible remote jamming.

'The modus operandi has not been confirmed but we want motorists to take note of remote jamming and to always double check their doors are locked before walking away from their vehicles,' said Ferreira.

'It takes one extra minute but is a great safety measure as this has been an ongoing challenge.

'There were also theft out of motor vehicle cases reported, and we urge residents to not leave any valuables inside their cars, even when parked inside their own property,' she said.