The ManicaPost
Luxson Chananda
THIS week we look at ways by which we can guard against car theft. The police feel sometimes we lose our vehicles not because car thieves are so cunning or daring.
Rather it has turned out that the in the majority of cases, owners or those entrusted with the responsibility to take care of the vehicles lapse into moments of care-freeness.
There is therefore need to safeguard our vehicles considering that the approaching festive season is usually a hive of activity and criminals take advantage of the confusion to pounce on unsuspecting victims.
Ownership and other vehicle requirements
It is important to always ensure that you are in possession of all documents that point to you as the owner of the vehicle. Remember that ownership can come about through purchasing of the vehicle from a dealer where you need to ensure the vehicle is registered in your name after going through the necessary processes involved.
Vehicles can also be purchased any other person who is selling for various reasons. In the latter case it is important to ensure that the person selling is the true owner by checking with either the police or Central Vehicle Registry.
Many people are rushing to buy vehicles that do not have a clear traceable history of ownership only to lose them when they are recovered as stolen property. There have also been cases where others, gripped by the excitement of being behind the wheel, totally ignore the importance of performing the necessary change of ownership process or initiating purchase agreements, which are proof of such purchase and or payment done.
This has resulted in disputes or fraud cases where sellers with a criminal mind report a vehicle as having been stolen knowing very well that they sold it because the purchaser has no proof of such purchase or ownership.
The police have a duty to ensure that all vehicles plying our roads are in proper hands. In order to ensure that your convenience is guaranteed as you move from place with your vehicles this festive season, make sure you have all documents in place. It is very noble of any responsible individual to facilitate the swift checking and clearing of road traffic at police and other check points by quickly producing all requirements.
This not only makes the job for those enforcing laws easier, but also reflects you as very organized in the eyes of those you are travelling with, be they family or passengers of all kind.
Motives for Theft
The year 2018 had a number of vehicles stolen mostly within Mutare and other places around the province. It is important to note that vehicles can be stolen for various motives which include resale, breaking up for accessories or personal possession after performing some bodily or other alteration that makes future identification difficult or impossible.
It has also been noted that criminals are stealing vehicles for the purpose of using them to commit other crimes after which they abandon them.
Criminals have also been known to steal vehicles as getaway cars. This is the reason why some vehicles are stolen only to be found abandoned and intact.
There is every reason, therefore, for motorists to be cautious when parking vehicles, momentarily during stopovers or for sometime at homes and other places where they are being kept overnight or during holiday breaks by schools, companies etc.
The under listed practices should be avoided:
Living car keys in the ignition when opening gates, when carrying passengers (especially strangers), opening the boot to take out luggage for passengers. The golden rule is therefore never to leave car keys in the ignition.
Leaving the vehicle engine running when vehicle is not attended. This also constitutes a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act.
Not checking Central Locking Systems whether they are in good working order.
Trusting strangers with vehicles. There is a growing tendency of car honours releasing their vehicles into the hands of people they have little knowledge about.
Engaging motor mechanics you do not know when your vehicle has developed faults.
Let us work together to prevent car theft and crimes that are committed using stolen cars.
Inserted by: ZRP Manicaland Press and Public Relations
