Computers used to steal cars
2006-07-06 13:17
Johannesburg - Computers are apparently being used to start cars, in a new wave of vehicle thefts.
Three men out on bail for a vehicle theft case were arrested on Wednesday on new charges of vehicle theft, said North Rand police.
Superintendent Sophie Mayisela said the Kempton Park police crime prevention unit arrested the three after a brief car chase.
Mayisela said the vehicle they were driving was found to have been stolen in Benoni.
Police found three computer boxes in the vehicle, apparently used to start vehicles without keys and to reverse odometer readings.
"The suspects were also linked through a morpho-touchpad to a case of motor vehicle theft in Benoni which is still pending as the suspects were out on bail," said Mayisela.
She said no shots were fired and no one was injured.
Police are investigating possible links to other cases.
The three suspects, aged 28, 30 and 31 are due to appear in Kempton Park magistrate's court soon.
- SAPA