Take steps to reduce tyre theft!

Recent reports have noted that there is an increase in the theft of tyres and rims from homeowners’ properties. Walking outside to find your vehicle on bricks is not a new or uncommon occurrence. Yet, it is rising with speed necessitating taking extra precautions to protect yourself from this loss.

The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says four new tyres can set a driver back a few thousand Rand. “If multiple vehicles parked in your property are targeted, this expense soars exponentially. There are certain steps one can take to not only protect their pockets but to also create greater challenges for disreputable sellers of second-hand tyres which feeds this criminal activity.”

Tips to protect your tyres and rims:

• Park your vehicle inside. If you have a garage that is used for storage rather than housing your vehicle, spend some time cleaning it out. This is a surefire way to protect your tyres.
• If possible, install wheel lock nuts or lug nuts. While this may be a deterrent, tyre thieves come equipped for this and can still remove them.
• Arm your outside beams. If you tend to neglect activating your alarm or only arm quite late in the evening, make a concerted effort to always set your alarm system and do so as early as possible.
• Keep your yard well-lit
• Avoid keeping valuables in the car or if you need to, keep them out of sight.
• Be aware of which vehicles have higher risk: bakkies, SUVs and trucks.
• Homes with low walls, a clear view into the property and no additional security like electric fences are also at higher risk.
• Be vigilant. Join neighbourhood watch groups so you are aware if there is a surge in tyre theft. Additionally, if dogs are poisoned, strange cars are lingering around or anything else unusual happens, this can be a sign. Like other crimes, tyre thieves watch houses before targeting it.
• If, despite your best efforts, you are a victim of this crime, report it to your local police station. It is through the reporting of all crimes that trends are identified and more effort can be employed to address it.
   

It is important to follow these steps to reduce the chance of falling victim to tyre theft. “Tyres are not cheap which feeds the demand for cheaper, more questionably sourced tyres. There is no way to track or determine if a tyre was stolen making it a lower risk crime than vehicle theft. Lastly, a vehicle can be relieved of its tyres in less than 10 minutes.

“Tyre theft is a low-risk, high-reward and easy crime. Do your part by reducing the advantages for criminals when stealing tyres, in whatever way you can,” says Herbert.