PROJECT: VEHICLE THEFT AT CAR WASHES
- isabels39
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
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How often do we, as South Africans, drive to our nearest car wash,
hand over our keys to a friendly attendant, and leave our vehicle unattended for a couple of hours?
Perhaps we should think twice next time!
CASE EXAMPLE:
It has been brought to our attention that the following incident occurred to a young man residing in the Linden area, according to his statement to the SAPS.
On Saturday, 15 February 2025, at approximately 12:22, he parked his 2025 Ford Ranger Wildtrak at a car wash in Linden.
He handed his car keys to an attendant and went to a restaurant next door for lunch.
At about 13:30, he returned to collect his vehicle, only to discover it was missing.
The manager of the car wash informed him that someone had phoned in, provided the vehicle's registration number, claimed to be the owner, and stated that someone would collect the vehicle on their behalf.
Video footage shows the criminal driving off in plain sight.
A jammer was used, preventing the vehicle from being tracked.
A case of theft was opened at SAPS Linden.
As vehicles become more complex and systems reach new levels of innovation,
criminals continue to find new and creative ways to commit theft.
MiWay Insurance recently reported that car washes have become increasingly popular targets
for criminals who falsely claim to be the vehicle owner. These thieves either pose as the owner or
say they were sent to collect the car, then quickly make off with the vehicle.
VEHICLE THEFT METHODS:
Criminals take advantage of the situation, claim the vehicle as their own, get in, and drive off before any alarms are triggered.
They use false identification to impersonate the actual owner.
Some can decode car keys to start the engine and leave undetected.
Others use cell jammers to disable tracking systems.
PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION ARE KEY:
Be vigilant.
Rather, stay at the car wash while your vehicle is being washed.
Ensure your vehicle is insured, and check with your provider if your cover includes car washes.
Install a tracking app on your smartphone to monitor your vehicle’s location.
Avoid very busy and overcrowded car washes.
Choose car washes with proper security measures (e.g., surveillance cameras, access control, security personnel).
Clearly inform the car wash manager that only you will collect the vehicle and no one else is authorised to do so.
Report suspicious individuals around car washes to the police or local security services.
HIGH RISK VEHICLES:
Ford Ranger,
Hyundai i20,
Nissan NP200,
VW Polo, especially hatchbacks, and
Eight Toyota models: Corolla Cross, Corolla, Etios, Fortuner, Hilux, Prado, Land Cruiser, and RAV 4.
REFERENCES:
"Avoiding South Africa's Latest Car Wash Crime Trend." Matrix, 2017, matrix.co.za/matrix-newsletter/avoiding-south-africas-latest-car-wash-crime-trend/. Accessed 12 May 2025.
OFM. "OFM." OFM, 19 Nov. 2024, www.ofm.co.za/article/centralsa/334715/vehicle-theft-at-car-washes-on-the-rise. Accessed 12 May 2025.
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