A vehicle theft syndicate was nabbed in the Krugersdorp area this week. Picture: Supplied
Police in Gauteng have closed in on a crime syndicate using advanced electronic devices to steal high-end SUVs and bakkies, including Toyota Prados, Fortuners and Hiluxes as well as Ford Rangers.
After receiving a tip-off from a credible source, officers were deployed to the Krugersdorp area to intercept the suspects’ vehicles, which included a Toyota Quantum and Hyundai Venue.
Both vehicles, which were fitted with false registration plates, were spotted leaving a shopping mall in Krugersdorp. The vehicles were stopped and four suspects were arrested.
Police then searched the vehicles and found military-grade signal jamming devices along with other sophisticated electronic devices, vehicle theft tools and additional false registration plates.
This co-ordinated police operation included multiple units of the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as the Gauteng Traffic Police Air Wing, Tracker Connect and CAP Specialised Operations.
“Acting on credible intelligence, authorities received information about a syndicate operating in Gauteng and other provinces, specialising in the theft of high-value motor vehicles. The suspects were reportedly using a Toyota Quantum and a Hyundai Venue, targeting vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser, Prado, and Ford Ranger models,” the Gauteng Department of Community Safety said.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspects possessed advanced electronic devices used to bypass vehicle security systems.”
Multiple criminal charges were levelled against the four arrested suspects.
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