Arron Nyamayaro
Church members have been urged to remain vigilant after thieves reportedly broke into two vehicles during a week-long conference in Belvedere.
Police said valuables were stolen from the cars while their owners attended a FIG Ministries conference.
Medeline Mangondo, 38, of Cranborne, lost cash, a laptop and a spare wheel from her Honda Fit. The items were valued at US$1,100.
Gibson Antonio, 47, of Mufakose, reported that his HP Core i7 laptop, a black suit jacket and a cooler bag were stolen from his Toyota Corolla. The stolen items were valued at US$442.
In both cases, the thieves allegedly used an unknown object to force open the driver’s door before taking the valuables.
Acting Harare provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa confirmed the cases and urged church members to take precautions.
“Police are investigating two cases of theft from cars during a church conference in Belvedere.
“We continue to urge people to consider target removal and target hardening at all gatherings. We also urge church members to consider engaging security and to be aware that not everyone attending is there for the church services.
“Do not leave bags, cash, electronics or weapons visible inside a parked car—or, preferably, leave them out of the vehicle altogether.
“If you are asked to move a vehicle during an event or service, do not go out alone at night. Go with at least two other people and observe the area from a distance.
“Coordinate parking-lot patrols, and install proper lighting or surveillance cameras. Thieves and hijackers increasingly target motorists and congregants at churches and public gatherings because services and events have predictable schedules, cash offerings and distracted vehicle owners,” said Assistant Inspector Mapisa.
