Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika and Mollet Ndebele, Sunday News Reporters
DARING thieves have invaded Bulawayo where they are targeting parked cars in the Central Business District and residential areas where they smash windows and steal batteries, radios, tyres and in some cases drain fuel.
Although police could not tally the numbers of reported cases over the past few weeks, so daring are the thieves that last week they reportedly smashed two cars of staffers in broad daylight at a school in town where they got away with batteries and other belongings while lessons were underway.
They also stole from five cars parked overnight at a residential flat in the city centre.
Bulawayo police provincial deputy spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed that crimes of carbreaking were on the increase and alluded to some cases they were investigating.
“We are investigating two reported cases of theft from motor vehicles. On 14 July at around 8.30pm at James Court in the CBD suspects dismantled a sub-hoofer and amplifier from a parked vehicle.
The value of the stolen items is US$45.
Then on 15 July this year at around 5pm along Herbert Chitepo Street and 9th Avenue suspects broke into a vehicle and stole a vehicle registration book and a laptop, with an estimated value of RTGS$2 600.
These thieves smash windows to gain entry into parked vehicles,” said Insp Ncube.
He added that police had with immediate effect intensified patrols around the city to curb the growing trend and arrest criminals targeting vehicles.
“Police have intensified patrols in and around the city and we also appeal to the public for assistance.
The public should also try and remove valuable items from their vehicles that could possibly attract criminals,” said Insp Ncube.
He also appealed to dealers of car parts and radios to authenticate sources of items they would be purchasing to prevent further spiralling of crime.
“Second hand dealers should authenticate sources of the items they purchase.
They should also assist police by tipping us when such people come to sell undocumented items,” said Insp Ncube.
Affected motorists said the thieves appeared to be professionals, as in some cases they would break into vehicles without a trace.
“They have even become so advanced that they can open a car and steal in less than five minutes.
In some cases you won’t realise that your car would have been broken into, as they enter and leave it locked as it would have been.
They leave without a trace and it is becoming a huge problem.
These thefts are happening every day. It’s only a matter of time before they start stealing the cars,” said Mr Bernard Ndlovu.
Mr Edwin Mazhawidza a victim said, “I was parked outside Parkade Building, I had locked my car manually and went into the building to get a few things.
When I returned 20 minutes later my laptop had been stolen and there was a dent on the door to show that the door had been opened with an object.”
In Pelandaba suburb several cases of theft from vehicles have been recorded, with most motorists in the suburb saying they were losing car batteries and tyres to thieves on a daily basis.
“Everyday they strike and they are stealing from us willy nilly.
This is a serious concern and police need to act on this before residents take measures into our own hands. We feel police are lacking in carrying out their duties because we have been reporting these crimes but no arrests have been made.
It is high time they do something about these crimes,” said Mr Thabani Dube.
Areas like Mahatshula, Paddonhurst, Romney Park and Suburbs, among others, have also not been spared, with thieves also suspected to be poisoning to death dogs guarding properties before pouncing on them.
Online Reporter