Car thieves 'on the prowl'
2006-06-15 13:35
Johannesburg - Four men believed to be involved in a car theft syndicate were arrested in Hillbrow, Johannesburg police said on Thursday.
They were arrested after a Honda Ballade which was parked on Killarney street on Wednesday was stolen, said Inspector Kriban Naidoo.
Undercover policemen witnessed two people apparently stealing the Honda, while two others remained in a Golf which had false number plates.
The policemen tracked the Golf to Rosebank.
"We believe the two suspects in the Golf were on the prowl, looking for other cars to steal," Naidoo said.
They were arrested and led police to Orlando in Soweto, where the Honda had been taken to. The remaining two suspects were then arrested.
Hi-tech tools confiscated
High-technology equipment used to disable car safety mechanisms (gear-locks, immobilisers and ignition locks) was confiscated from the two cars.
"We seized computers used to override ignition keys, sharpened Allen keys, and implements used to enable a car thief to drive the car, even without the keys, without much difficulty."
More arrests were expected to be made and a case of theft of motor vehicle was being investigated.
"We want to put a strong warning to people to be vigilant and to take care of their property as parking in isolated spots, for example, makes it easy for cars to be stolen," said Naidoo.
- SAPA