Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
Divorce, Maintenance, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence
I came across another incident of an attempted car theft outside the newly revamped Woolworths at the Broadacres Centre in Fourways. Two thieves had just jammed a lady’s car, got into it and started to drive it off, when cars blocked their way and car guards prevented them from escaping. It is apparently so prevalent at the various shopping centres around Johannesburg that some shop owners even have their own scanners which indicate when the car jamming is taking place and apparently, although you cannot detect exactly where it is happening, it happens at least once a day, and sometimes a lot more. It is really one of those things you will have to be careful about at the moment and make sure, after you have locked your car, or believe you have locked your car, that it actually is locked lest you have to go through all of the inconvenience of an insurance claim, attending at the local police station and replacing a car. The worst part of course is that we all tend to leave various paperwork and documents inside one’s car as well, so in my case it would obviously include credit cards, not to mention the driver’s licence and so the loss of productive time, when a car is stolen, in terms of having to apply for and obtain new cards, a driver’s licence, possibly an identity book, and apart from all of that the police paperwork and insurance paperwork is yet another untold cost on our economy. The funny thing of course, is when you are a student and you have a terrible car that you really wish somebody would steal, because you cannot possibly sell it for what it is worth in terms of the insurance replacement, nobody ever steals your car!
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Thursday 03-Apr-14
Post a Comment
Comments
Mercia said:
on Wednesday 18-Mar-15 09:15 PM
The criminals are coming into the upmarket suburbs without a doubt. I had my cel phone stolen right out of a handbag, bump pick pocket style in woolworths, Fourways in the middle of the day with a few shoppers. So many people I have spoken to have had some kind of theft or loss. Criminals are coming more and more into our neighbourhoods, quite little shopping centres and places where you thought you were safe. This is not the Cbd, so why should we feel so unsafe. People must just be more aware and beware of all type of tactics these criminal elements use, to gain your personal belongings.
Mercia said:
on Wednesday 18-Mar-15 09:14 PM
The criminals are coming into the upmarket suburbs without a doubt. I had my cel phone stolen right out of a handbag, bump pick pocket style in woolworths, Fourways in the middle of the day with a few shoppers. So many people I have spoken to have had some kind of theft or loss. Criminals are coming more and more into our neighbourhoods, quite little shopping centres and places where you thought you were safe. This is not the Cbd, so why should we feel so unsafe. People must just be more aware and beware of all type of tactics these criminal elements use, to gain your personal belongings.
Melissa said:
on Thursday 17-Apr-14 10:55 AM
Oh my word....The police officers are also so corrupt and useless. That doesn't amaze me at all. You trying to make a living by going to work everyday and the thieves think they can just steal from one another...Oh please. But I have news for them, the universe will take care off all these hooligans.
Stephanie said:
on Monday 14-Apr-14 12:23 PM
O my life, will it ever stop? This crime really makes me sick. If it's not yours leave it and go work to earn your own. Simple isn't it???
Cindy said:
on Friday 04-Apr-14 04:22 PM
What a lovely country we live in don't you think??
Sinead said:
on Friday 04-Apr-14 01:20 PM
We were hijacked many years ago but I'm still very paranoid about locking car doors. I always lock about 5 times just to make sure its really locked and then still pull on the handle to check that it can't be opened. Criminals have other means though...
Nicky said:
on Friday 04-Apr-14 10:54 AM
It really amazes me how brazen criminals are-it seems as if they have no concern about how many people are around and can spot them.
Lee-Ann said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 06:12 PM
One has to be so careful nowadays. These criminals are lurking everywhere. I'm very paranoid, I double check that my car is locked and never leave my important documents lying around in my car.
Lizanne said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 05:40 PM
I never leave any personal things in my car and always make sure that my car is locked. I lock my car literally 3 times before i do whatever. It does however not secure that your car will not be stolen because they can still brake your window, open your door with some magical tool, etc. I have never experience my car being stolen though but am sure that it is not a very pleasant experience.
Kaylee said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 05:28 PM
I have had my car stolen before, it's a nightmare in terms of admin, and you obviously don't always recover the value of the car (as insurance only pays out the current market value) or any deposit you may have put into the car. Apparently this also happens at schools, so I recon you just have to be vigilant all the time.
Yolandi P said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 04:51 PM
After they stole my car a few years back I have become somewhat paranoid about it. I always double check my car and refuse to park it any where that is not secure. The car they stole had all my cards, id book, drivers licence etc in so I have learnt my lesson; either carry it with you or leave it at home.
salomie said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 04:51 PM
I am lucky that I have never experienced the feeling of a stolen car. Rather double check if your car is locked then wondering did I or didnt I
Jade said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 04:16 PM
I would be absolutely devastated if my car was stolen. I do try to double check that my car doors are locked, but it is so easy to be in a rush and forget.
I have to agree with those who have said that, it doesn't even matter, if someone wants your car, they will find a way to steal it.
A family friend had the wheels stolen off her car the other day when it was parked at home in the garage.
Liesl said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 03:22 PM
I try to remember to do it every time I park but still sometimes forget. One can never say it will never happen to me. Even with insurance they never pay out what it will cost to replace.
Helen said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 03:02 PM
It is amazing how these thieves in the busy arias, where are so many people still trying their luck to steal the car and it is so great that security guards manage to stop them - very good news that thieves did not manage to get away! I really hope to hear more news like this. Today in South Africa so many like this chance takers. Twice in last two months I was almost robbed, first time in the traffic on the M1 two strangers with the gun came to my husband demanding our cell phones and wallets - there are hundreds cars around us and still these guys decided to take a chance! second time one pedestrian decided just to push his hand thru the window. I agree with all security tips which should be followed while you in the car, doors locked windows closed and no personal things leaving in the car!
lucretia said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 02:23 PM
I am grateful for this blog. I have just purchased a new car that locks electronically and have not, as yet, checked it when walking away. Not because I am being careless but because I have never had to do so in the past. A habit I must get into with immediate effect.
Angelique said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 01:40 PM
I wonder was it better in the day where there was manual locking of cars? but then again thugs full time job is to steal cars and if they want it they will take it! I am paranoid so I try check my car triple times before going. It's something everyone should do.
Brenda said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 01:24 PM
Yes, the inconvenience of having a car stolen is big it causes stress and can lead anybody to alcoholism with all the paper work and of course the long wait to hear what the verdict is with the insurance company. But its not just about checking whether your car is locked but also checking where you park your car, although that doesn't matter either. Thugs are extremely clued up with how to open any car without a key, so whether you car is locked or unlocked, whether its parked in a deserted area or with security (as per experience) if thugs want your car they will ensure they get it, and that is the hard truth of life today.
Catherine said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 09:49 AM
The level of crime just keeps escalating day in day out. The unfortunate part is that the thugs are always i step ahead to keep up with anti-hijacking measures.
marzelle said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 09:24 AM
I never leave anything in my car. I always dubble check everything before I leave my car. These days its so easy to steal a car, you have to be extra carefull.
Juliet said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 09:21 AM
It is completely careless to leave anything in your car. My car is always empty. I always physically check my car handle once I have locked it.
Sorea said:
on Thursday 03-Apr-14 09:18 AM
Having had to replace a car recently, I have to say that taking a second to check the locks is completely worth it and will save you endless hours, if not days, of red taped hell.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
