10 Nov 2016

Mogoditshane Station Commander, Supt. Agreement Mapeu said theft of motor vehicles has escalated this year as they have recorded the highest number of the crime compared to the same time previous years.

He said the crime has become a challenge to control and that it is exacerbated by vehicle owners who fail to install basic security devices such as alarms and vehicle trackers.

Supt. Mapeu said they have also observed that the crime is escalating because of the available market for the stolen vehicles both in Botswana and neighbouring countries.

He said if they are not sold the vehicles are either stripped for parts, used in other criminal activities or even used just for joy rides.

He said the perpetrators are both locals and foreigners and that models that are mostly stolen are Toyota Runx, Toyota Surf and Honda Fit.

He said culprits are targeting the brands because they are marketable both outside and inside the country. ENDS