Wet weather ups vehicle-related crimes

Trends indicate that vehicle-related crimes increase when the wet weather descends upon the Mother City. Due to this, Campus Protection Services (CPS) urges the university community to remain alert during this period.

"People tend to stay indoors when it is raining," explained CPS operations manager Vincent Ricketts. "Very little activity outside provides criminals with added opportunities, especially when it comes to thefts from vehicles."

Ricketts asked staff and students to be vigilant and remove all valuables from their vehicles and lock them away in their boots.

"By ensuring that mobile phones, handbags, CD loaders, tape decks and other valuable items are not openly displayed in your vehicle, you will force criminals to look for an easier target," he added.

With CPS officers continuing to find vehicles unlocked, Ricketts reiterated his call to all staff and students to close their car windows and to make use of their gear locks at all times.

Ricketts said these precautionary measures, together with regular CPS patrols, would act as a deterrent to criminals.