Gauteng car theft has seen a troubling new trend, with elderly female shoppers emerging as the prime targets. The Insurance Crime Bureau (ICB) has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in these incidents, particularly around Pretoria and the East Rand.
Organized Criminal Groups Prey on Elderly Shoppers
According to the ICB, criminal groups — typically made up of three individuals, including one woman and two men — are using distraction techniques to steal car keys from unsuspecting victims while they shop. Once the keys are secured, the thieves waste no time making off with the vehicle from the parking lot.
Gauteng Car Theft: How the Scam Unfolds
Surveillance footage reviewed by the ICB reveals a consistent pattern: the criminals focus on elderly women who leave their handbags and car keys in the upper basket of their shopping trolleys. Once a target is identified, the thieves put their plan into motion.
One of the suspects, often pushing a trolley, will intentionally collide with the victim to create a moment of confusion. During this brief distraction, either the female accomplice or one of the men swiftly steals the car keys from the handbag or directly from the victim.
The Escape Plan: Quick Getaway and Blending In
The stolen keys are immediately passed to a third suspect, who exits the store and drives off with the vehicle. Meanwhile, the remaining two blend back into the crowd, walking away in different directions to avoid drawing attention.
“This is a highly organized and calculated operation, as seen in CCTV footage where the suspects use clever diversion tactics to steal the keys and swiftly hand them off to an accomplice who exits the store,” the ICB noted.
Public Urged to Stay Alert and Share the Warning
The bureau is urging the public to stay alert and share this information with elderly family members and friends, emphasizing the importance of keeping handbags and keys close at all times, especially when out shopping. Shoppers are also encouraged to be cautious around groups fitting this description and to report any suspicious behavior to mall security or local law enforcement.
Remote Jamming: Another Growing Concern at Malls
This latest warning from the ICB follows recent alerts by Fidelity Services Group, which highlighted another spike in vehicle-related crimes at shopping centres: car remote jamming.
Remote jamming allows thieves to block the signal between a car key fob and the vehicle, preventing the doors from locking even though the owner believes the car is secure. This method leaves no visible signs of forced entry, making it a favorite among criminals targeting busy shopping malls.
Shopping Centres: Hotspots for More Than Just Car Theft
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity, explained, “Many motorists return to their vehicles only to discover their belongings missing — and the car still unlocked — all because the locking signal was jammed.”
Hattingh also pointed out that shopping malls remain a hotspot for additional crimes such as cellphone snatching, particularly when people are distracted while waiting for e-hailing rides.
Follow-Home Attacks: A Persistent Threat
Adding to the growing list of concerns, Fidelity has previously flagged the risk of “follow-home” attacks. In these cases, suspects identify shoppers who have made significant purchases and trail them back to their residences. Once the victim arrives home, the criminals strike, often using violence to seize both vehicles and access to homes.
Related article: State Vehicle Theft Crisis: Government Cars Targeted by Criminals in South Africa
