Every year crime takes on a different shape and shopping centres are not
excluded from the attacks of the villains and syndicates involved. Last year the use of fortified bank notes was top of the list while 2013’s modus operandi
involves the use of a remote device to jam the locking device of motor vehicles.
Remote jamming is not a new phenomenon but is a simple and quick way to steal goods from cars and is extremely difficult to detect. When a person leaves his vehicle and pushes the remote to activate the locking system, a criminal pushes a remote (the type used to open a gate) at the same time, blocking the signal of the locking remote. The vehicle owner, believing that the vehicle is locked, would go about doing business while the criminal has free access to help himself to the contents of the vehicle.
Sadly, if you claim for items stolen from a vehicle where there is no forced
access, the claim will possibly be rejected. The OSTI (Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance) made a ruling specifically related to the use of remote control devices blocking a vehicle locking signal – they found that there is no scope in terms of the policy to force an Insurer to entertain a claim under these circumstances as it is ultimately the insured’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is securely locked.
Luckily, a new device has been designed by clever South Africans – the Jamming Detector. This is a portable unit with a range of 100 meters and omnidirectional pickup that will beep and vibrate upon detecting a valid jamming signal.
Plattekloof Village has obtained one of these useful devices and our security can now scout the area for suspicious individuals.
Here is how you can avoid becoming a victim of this crime:
- Never push the remote locking whilst walking away from the vehicle – check that the vehicle is locked by testing the door before walking away
- Do not leave valuables in an unattended vehicle
- Ensure that the boot is locked
- Report suspicious persons or activity to centre management or security