SAICB issues vehicle crime alert
South African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB) have issued a vehicle crime alert as per below.
Theft at dealerships and Auto Body Repair Companies
High Value Vehicles are currently being targeted by vehicle criminals at vehicle dealerships and especially Auto Body Repair Companies.
The suspects obtain the details pertaining to a specific vehicle at the Auto Body Repairers including the amount outstanding that must be paid as excess. This amount is then paid into the account of the Auto Body Repairer and the suspects then proceed to collect the vehicle "on behalf of the client” or have it delivered to an address for the client”. Service providers must ensure that the correct owners/clients take delivery of these vehicles.
Please alert all ABR service providers.
We suggest that you advise your preferred panel of repairers to request identification from the insured before handing over their vehicle.
We are aware of 9 instances thus far, 2 vehicles were recovered and 3 arrests made.
Theft of Vehicles and home contents: Clients drugged
Several instances happened over the past 2 weeks where ladies met with clients at different News Cafes in Gauteng, Casino and the Blue Room in Pretoria City Centre. These ladies meet men and go with them to their homes or hotel rooms, allegedly ‘spike' their drinks and take their vehicles, personal belongings and/or house contents.
These clients can only provide minimum detail about the events after they have arrived at the hotel room or at their homes. None of the clients could give a proper description or other details of the ladies.
One of the vehicles was recovered at the Botswana Border and the other one in Soshanguve.
Hollard has also issued an alert.
