News / Local
Bulawayo records spike in theft of cars
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Police in Bulawayo have confirmed a troubling surge in vehicle thefts, with 70 vehicles reported stolen between January and October this year. While law enforcement officials are expressing concern over the growing cases of carjacking in the city, they have managed to recover 59 of the stolen vehicles, reflecting a commendable 84% recovery rate.
According to data from the Criminal Investigation Department's Vehicle Theft Squad (CID VTS) in Bulawayo, August recorded the highest number of thefts, with 13 vehicles stolen, while May saw the fewest cases, with just three vehicles reported missing. The total value of stolen vehicles during the 10-month period amounted to US$223,255, with US$210,100 worth of vehicles successfully recovered by authorities.
Honda Fits emerged as the most frequently targeted vehicles, with 41 of them stolen during this period. Other popular models, including Toyota Hilux, Ford Rangers, and Volkswagen cars, were also frequently targeted by thieves. Experts believe the Honda Fit's popularity on the secondary market, along with its perceived ease of theft, makes it a prime target for criminals.
A notable incident occurred in July, where thefts during that month resulted in losses totaling US$129,954. However, authorities were able to recover vehicles worth US$129,020 in the same period.
The police have identified secluded parking areas as high-risk zones for vehicle thefts, advising drivers to avoid such locations even during the day. To mitigate the risks, authorities are urging car owners to invest in additional security measures such as vehicle trackers, alarms, and anti-hijack devices to enhance the safety of their cars.
"People are advised to employ trackers on their motor vehicles to enable detection and recovery," said the police. "Install alarms and anti-hijack devices. Avoid parking in secluded places both during the day and night. Ensure that vehicle ownership is transferred within 14 days of purchase, and visit CID VTS for verification of motor vehicles before buying."
Provincial police spokesperson, Nomalanga Msebele, referred inquiries to the national police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, who stated last Friday that police were still analyzing the statistics to determine the scope and trends of vehicle theft in the region.
In another development, three suspects aged between 18 and 22 were arrested on Monday following a shoot-out linked to a series of armed robberies in Bulawayo and Gwanda between July and November. The suspects had stolen a Toyota Fun Cargo on October 1, which was later recovered in Splitzkorp, Gwanda. On November 24, they stole a Ford Ranger from Chigumira shopping center in Bulawayo, adding to their string of criminal activities.
As vehicle theft continues to pose a significant concern for Bulawayo residents, the police are ramping up their efforts to combat this crime and advise motorists to be vigilant and proactive in securing their vehicles.
According to data from the Criminal Investigation Department's Vehicle Theft Squad (CID VTS) in Bulawayo, August recorded the highest number of thefts, with 13 vehicles stolen, while May saw the fewest cases, with just three vehicles reported missing. The total value of stolen vehicles during the 10-month period amounted to US$223,255, with US$210,100 worth of vehicles successfully recovered by authorities.
Honda Fits emerged as the most frequently targeted vehicles, with 41 of them stolen during this period. Other popular models, including Toyota Hilux, Ford Rangers, and Volkswagen cars, were also frequently targeted by thieves. Experts believe the Honda Fit's popularity on the secondary market, along with its perceived ease of theft, makes it a prime target for criminals.
A notable incident occurred in July, where thefts during that month resulted in losses totaling US$129,954. However, authorities were able to recover vehicles worth US$129,020 in the same period.
The police have identified secluded parking areas as high-risk zones for vehicle thefts, advising drivers to avoid such locations even during the day. To mitigate the risks, authorities are urging car owners to invest in additional security measures such as vehicle trackers, alarms, and anti-hijack devices to enhance the safety of their cars.
"People are advised to employ trackers on their motor vehicles to enable detection and recovery," said the police. "Install alarms and anti-hijack devices. Avoid parking in secluded places both during the day and night. Ensure that vehicle ownership is transferred within 14 days of purchase, and visit CID VTS for verification of motor vehicles before buying."
Provincial police spokesperson, Nomalanga Msebele, referred inquiries to the national police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, who stated last Friday that police were still analyzing the statistics to determine the scope and trends of vehicle theft in the region.
In another development, three suspects aged between 18 and 22 were arrested on Monday following a shoot-out linked to a series of armed robberies in Bulawayo and Gwanda between July and November. The suspects had stolen a Toyota Fun Cargo on October 1, which was later recovered in Splitzkorp, Gwanda. On November 24, they stole a Ford Ranger from Chigumira shopping center in Bulawayo, adding to their string of criminal activities.
As vehicle theft continues to pose a significant concern for Bulawayo residents, the police are ramping up their efforts to combat this crime and advise motorists to be vigilant and proactive in securing their vehicles.
Source - the standard
