Police have warned motorists that vehicles and motorcycles are being stolen after being left unattended, following a series of reports of thefts linked to careless parking.
Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler told a press conference on Friday that officers had also received reports of valuable documents and other items being taken from vehicles and motorcycles left unattended.
Keys left in the ignition
ASP Wootler said police had observed cases of three-wheeler drivers and motorcyclists leaving their vehicles with the engines still running while attending to other matters. In some of those cases, people involved in criminal activity had driven the vehicles away after the keys were left in the ignition.
Thefts have also been reported from outside homes, he said, particularly where the gates to the premises had been left unlocked.
What police advise
Motorists parking in crowded areas should inform a security officer in the vicinity, ASP Wootler said. Those parking at shopping complexes are advised to alert security personnel or a member of staff at the complex.
He urged the public to take particular care when parking at night or in isolated locations, where conditions can give criminals an opportunity.
Anyone whose vehicle has been stolen should immediately contact the Police Emergency Hotline on 119 or 118, the nearest police station, or a police officer nearby.
The warning comes as police maintain a heavy road-safety focus, with the force reporting 1,749 deaths in more than 1,600 fatal road accidents so far this year.
