Four Toyota Tazz vehicles stolen in 72 hours by alleged syndicate, RUSA says - IOL

One of the vehicles which were stolen this week.

Reaction Unit South Africa says four Toyota Tazz vehicles were stolen in the greater Durban area over 72 hours and has urged owners to improve vehicle security.

Tazz vehicles being targeted by an alleged vehicle theft syndicate.

“Two factors could be behind the theft of these Tazz vehicles. It could be related to the recent fuel hikes as these cars are known to be light on petrol. It is also popular for re-sale. The vehicles are stripped and the parts are sold easily,” said Balram.

Balram said the vehicles which had been reported stolen were parked outdoors and did not have tracking devices.

He advised vehicle owners to equip their vehicles with tracking devices.

He said it was easier to recover stolen vehicles with tracking devices by ground or air.

Criminologist, Professor Nirmala Gopal said research had shown that Toyotas were popular in Africa.

“Quite often the stolen Toyotas in South Africa is transported over the boarder to other African countries for re-sale or stripped for parts,” said Gopal.

She said in the run up to the festive season there was a probability that career criminals found crime to be the easiest option to make money.

“They (criminals) want to be a part of the fun and activities associated with the festive season. Those who don’t have the money will resort to crime. Syndicates go around looking for high risk vehicles and rob car owners.” said Gopal.