Surge In Vehicle Thefts Targeting Elderly Female Shoppers Across Gauteng
The Insurance Crime Bureau has seen a drastic spike in vehicle thefts across Gauteng, particularly in the Pretoria and East Rand areas, where elderly female shoppers are being targeted.
The suspects, typically operating in groups of three, use distraction tactics to steal car keys from handbags or jackets, often placed in shopping trolleys before making off with the victim’s vehicle from the parking area. This well-coordinated modus operandi has been captured on CCTV footage, showing how the suspects deliberately bump into victims and discreetly remove keys, which are then handed off to an accomplice who quickly exits the shop.
The Modus Operandi
The suspects typically work as a Trio – one female and two males – and target victims while they are shopping in retail centres.
- The victim’s handbag and car keys are usually placed in the upper section of the shopping trolley.
- Suspects distract the victim by deliberately bumping into them with a trolley or creating a diversion.
- While distracted, the female suspect or one of the male accomplices removes the car keys from the handbag or pickpockets the victim.
- The keys are quickly handed to a third suspect, who exits the shop and uses them to steal the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot.
CCTV Footage Insights
- One suspect initiating contact by bumping into the victim with a trolley.
- A female suspect simultaneously reaching into the victim’s jacket or bag.
- The stolen item being discreetly handed to a third accomplice, who promptly leaves the premises.
- The remaining suspects calmly walking away in different directions to avoid suspicion.
Recommendations
We urge the public and Member teams to:
- Raise awareness among elderly shoppers.
- Encourage secure handling of handbags and car keys, keeping them close to the body and never unattended.
- Be vigilant of groups matching the description and report any suspicious activity to the authorities or centre management immediately