Cops on edge over motor vehicle theft
Pini Bothoko | Monday October 2, 2023 06:00
According to police reports, Toyota RunX, Honda Fit and Mazda Demio car models are amongst the most targeted, with thieves often striking when the vehicles are parked at night.
While concrete statistics supporting this trend are not readily available, No.3 Officer Commanding, Senior Superintendent Theriso Thatayotlhe highlighted the rise in motor vehicle theft cases in his jurisdiction.
He pointed out that Toyota RunX appears to be the current vehicle of choice for thieves, adding that in a space of two days, they are investigating two cases in which two motor vehicles were stolen. "In the past, the preferred targets were Honda Fit and Mazda Demio, which were often used as getaway vehicles in robberies and home invasion incidents.
However, recently, it seems that the primary target is the Toyota RunX. We are currently investigating a case in which a Toyota RunX was stolen in Maruapula, Gaborone, on Wednesday night, and we are still working to make a breakthrough," he explained. Thatayotlhe recounted another incident from the previous week, where a Honda Fit was stolen in the Lesetheng ward, Matebele village.
Through police efforts, the vehicle was later recovered in Mogoditshane, although the thieves had changed its licence plate numbers. Four individuals, two Botswana nationals aged 32 and 40, and two Zimbabwean men aged 28 and 36, have been arrested in connection with the case, with suspicion that they are part of a syndicate operating in the Greater Gaborone.
Thatayotlhe noted that motor vehicle theft cases are becoming more frequent, often resulting in vehicles not being recovered. In rare instances, stolen cars are found abandoned, likely having been used as getaway vehicles in other criminal activities. “This crime is escalating because of the demand in the market as it appears that they are sold or stripped for parts,” he said, adding it is exacerbated by vehicle owners who neglect to install basic security features such as alarms. To combat these thefts, Thatayotlhe revealed that several mechanics have been apprehended for their involvement in tampering with parked vehicles and starting their engines without keys. “Motorists should avoid parking their vehicles outside the yard overnight and park them close to the bedroom where they can hear sounds if thieves try to tamper with them while asleep,” he said.
Additionally, he urged vehicle owners to consider enhancing the security of their cars by installing alarms and other protective measures. Collaborative efforts with the No. 3 District community cluster committee and community members involve nighttime patrols aimed at improving police visibility and addressing crime incidents occurring during the night.
He said this proactive approach helps deter criminal activities. “Last weekend we had a team that was made up of 115 people and we were patrolling in areas such as Tlokweng, the outskirts of Riverwalk Mall, and Fairgrounds Mall to enhance police visibility in the area,” Thatayotlhe said.