Car theft is taking on new forms in South Africa, with motorists being urged to exercise heightened caution when handing over their car keys. A growing number of vehicle thefts are being reported involving third-party services such as car washes, valet parking, and service centres—where criminals exploit lapses in key-handling procedures to drive off with vehicles.
According to Ryno de Kock from PSG Insure, who recently discussed the issue on radio station 702, a growing number of thefts are occurring in situations where drivers entrust their keys to others without proper verification. Criminals are exploiting this lapse in security by impersonating vehicle owners, collecting the keys from unsuspecting service providers, and simply driving off with the cars.
De Kock highlighted recent media reports where cars were stolen directly from car washes. In these incidents, the thieves posed as the rightful owners and took advantage of staff who failed to verify identities before returning keys.
Motorists Also Bear Responsibility for Security
“Some cases in the news involve criminals who just walked up, claimed the car, and were given the keys without question,” De Kock explained. He emphasized that while businesses are expected to implement verification protocols, vehicle owners also share responsibility for ensuring that appropriate security checks are in place.
This falls under what the insurance sector refers to as the “Duty of Care”—a principle that requires both policyholders and insurers to take reasonable precautions to prevent loss. Neglecting this duty, such as leaving a car running unattended or failing to ensure proper key handling protocols at service points, could result in rejected insurance claims.
Negligence Could Void Insurance Claims
“If you leave your car idling while running a quick errand and it gets stolen, the insurer may not cover the loss because you didn’t take sufficient preventative measures,” said De Kock.
To protect themselves, motorists are encouraged to:
- Confirm that service providers use identification checks before returning vehicles.
- Ensure the presence of surveillance equipment like security cameras.
- Only use trusted establishments that demonstrate clear security procedures.
Remote Jamming Resurfaces as a Popular Theft Method
In addition to these key-related scams, a previously common car theft technique—remote jamming—is also making a comeback, particularly in shopping mall parking areas.
French Jooste of Bull Security warned that thieves use jamming devices to block the locking signal from a car’s remote key fob. “Criminals wait for you to exit your vehicle and then use a device, often just an electric gate remote, to interfere with the locking signal,” Jooste said.
As a result, the car remains unlocked even though the owner believes it is secure. This tactic is especially effective when drivers are distracted or in a hurry.
Simple Tips to Prevent Becoming a Victim
To counter this, experts recommend:
- Physically check that your vehicle is locked before walking away.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas to deter potential criminals.
- Avoid distractions such as mobile phones while locking your car.
In light of these evolving tactics, motorists in South Africa are advised to remain alert and take proactive steps to protect their vehicles. By being aware of how thieves operate and adhering to basic security practices, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to car theft.
Related article: Car Thieves Change Their Peak Hours, According to Tracker’s Latest Crime Index
