Hapless would-be Jeep ‘owner’ arrested, but remote blockers on prowl again
Returning to the scene of the crime might be an obvious no-no to those operating in the criminal world, but it seems that an alleged Plettenberg Bay car thief did exactly that and subsequently met his match – YOLANDE STANDER reports
Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said that they responded last weekend to a report from a concerned resident about a man struggling to start an orange Jeep Rubicon.
“We received reports that a man was seen struggling to get a vehicle started and then left the vehicle overnight at a local garage,” Olivier said.
This behaviour sparked local crime fighters suspicions and saw the Plett Security rapid response and tactical unit to react immediately. Local police were also informed.
“Detectives responded swiftly and upon investigation found that the vehicle had been stolen from the owner’s holiday home.”
When authorities went to the owners home, they found the alleged vehicle thief on the property and arrested him promptly.
Olivier said that this was not the only recent vehicle-related crime and added that they believed
scammers with remote blockers have returned to the area.
“Please be vigilant, stay alert and be crime wise as opportunists are lurking. Always recheck your vehicle and that the doors are secured when remote locking your vehicle, as scammers with remote blockers are active again.”
Olivier said an example of this happened recently when a woman locked her door with her remote
and while walking to a local pharmacy, caught a glimpse of a suspect opening the vehicle’s door.
“The perpetrator fled with her cellphone and handbag. PBCPA members and the rapid response unit responded and started to chase down the suspect. In his haste to get away, he dropped the goods near Bossiesgif and disappeared in between the houses.”
Olivier also reminded residents to ensure all house windows and doors, which do not have security bars, were closed and locked.
“In other words, do not leave your front door open when you are at the swimming pool in the backyard. Ensure that electronic devices and other valuables are securely put away and are neither visible nor accessible through open windows or doors. Do not become a victim of opportunistic criminals.”
Garden Route Media