dyton mupawaendaThe Herald, May 3, 1979
INCREASED police activity in the Salisbury area has resulted in a dramatic drop in the number of car thefts since January.
But this was no cause for complacency on the part of the car owners. Inspector Ian Donaldson warned yesterday.
Inspector Donaldson who is Salisbury Province Officer-in-charge of Car Thefts, said: “While we are extremely happy with the drop in the number of car thefts, which was by way of a by-product of the increased security activity during the build-up to the elections, we would appeal to members of the public to be even more careful about their vehicles now the election is over.
“Like everyone else, the car thieves will be getting back into the normal swing of things now and their first targets will be those people who have been lulled into complacency about their cars.”
Giving figures to illustrate the drop in the car thefts in recent months, Inspector Donaldson said that last December 117 cars valued at about $146 775 were stolen. Of these 67 valued at about $95 930 were recovered.
In January 88 vehicles valued at about $154 680 were stolen and 51 worth $96 490 recovered.
In February 92 vehicles worth $109 000 were stolen and 64 worth $71 328 recovered.
The figures for March were 87 vehicles worth $106 355 stolen and 52 worth $60 165 recovered.
In April the number of cars stolen dropped to 52, valued at $64 270, while 36 valued at $47 570 were recovered by Police.
“The obvious reason for the recent drop in the number of thefts was the increased Police activity in all sectors,” Inspector Donaldson said.
“But there are other contributing factors such as the courts’ allowing evidence in aggravation and the imposing of much more severe sentences for those found guilty,” he said.
Inspector Donaldson said the value of cars stolen in Salisbury alone last year was more than $1 million.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Car thefts are on the rise in the country with most of the thieves targeting Honda Fit model. Most of the vehicles are being stolen from car parks, which calls for increased security to make these parks more secure.
The increase in car thefts can be mitigated if car owners fit their cars with anti-hijack systems and car alarms.
They also need to ensure that they also park their cars in garages or parks that are well lit and heavily secured or guarded.
Crime can occur everywhere and this calls for vigilance and awareness all the time.
Online Reporter