It appears that not only individual vehicle owners are now targeted by vehicle thieves -but also dealerships! These thieves are part of well organized vehicle syndicates – and dealerships will have to pay close attention to the safekeeping of their vehicles.
Eyewitness News has learnt that a syndicate is targeting car dealerships across the Cape Peninsula. At least eight cars were stolen from dealerships and service centres in the last week. Dealerships targeted included the well-known Market Toyota and Barons Volkswagen.
Reeds N1 City dealer principal John Trollip has lost one vehicle to what he called “professional thieves”.
“We watched the camera and noticed that two suspects moved around the premises for about an hour and a half before taking the vehicle. These guys were dressed as sub-contractors working on our site.”
He added it was “definitely a syndicate going after specific vehicles.”
Market Toyota Regional managing director Peter Vermaak indicated that two of his vehicles were stolen from different dealerships in the last two weeks. These cars were worth more than R500,000.
He said police have told him that a special task team has been set up to investigate the thefts.
Vermaak added that the motor industry could not afford such losses.
(Story by Chantal Presence, Edited by Lisa Bartlett appeared on Eyewitness news)
Also view:
Vehicle theft and car insurance