Thieves steal US$6 200 from parked cars

Thieves stole US$6 200 in cash from two vehicles parked at shopping and recreational centres in Harare, police have warned motorists against leaving valuables inside their cars.

In the first incident, Bluffhill resident Tapiwa Muchenje (27) lost US$5 000 after thieves broke into her vehicle at Greenfields Shopping Centre around midnight.

Muchenje had parked her black Toyota Vanbat before going to a restaurant. She returned at around 1.30am and discovered that the rear quarter glass had been smashed using an unknown object.

The suspects allegedly forced their way into the vehicle and stole a handbag containing US$5 000 that had been left on the back seat before fleeing unnoticed.

In a separate incident, Glen Norah resident Jonathan Tandangu (48) lost US$1 200, along with his national identity card and driver's licence, after his Toyota Hilux GD6 was broken into at the Harare Showgrounds.

Tandangu had parked the vehicle and gone to a nearby casino. When he returned at around 4pm, he discovered that someone had gained entry to the vehicle using an unknown object.

A brown wallet that had been left underneath the driver's seat was stolen. It contained his national identity card, driver's licence and US$1 200 in cash.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the two cases and urged motorists to exercise caution when leaving their vehicles unattended.

"Police are investigating two theft from car cases involving US$6 200.

"We continue to urge motorists to avoid valuables that include laptops, cash and cellphones in parked cars," said Insp Chakanza.