Latest news with #autoShop
News24
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- News24
5 Security hacks to prevent car theft
In the past five years, over 220 000 households have experienced car thefts. This is according to 2023/24 Stats SA's Victims of Crime (VoC) report which highlight the surge in car theft rates. Experts from Zego have offered five tips to help drivers protect their vehicles during the busy travel season. Five tips to keep your car safe from theft 1. Use a steering wheel lock It is simple, but effective! A steering wheel lock is a visible deterrent that makes it harder and slower to steal a car, especially for thieves using relay technology. Bonus Tip: Hook your seatbelt through the wheel as a backup if you don't have a lock! It's not foolproof but adds an extra layer of hassle for thieves. Read more | Be generous, not gullible: 9 tips to dodge Easter-scammers 2. Etch your VIN into all windows Having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) chemically etched into every window makes your car traceable and less attractive to thieves. Replacing all windows is costly, and many buyers avoid VIN-etched cars due to their traceability. You can get this done at an auto-shop or buy an online DIY kit and do it yourself. 3. Beware of illegal tow trucks Criminal gangs have been known to use unmarked or fake tow trucks to steal vehicles in broad daylight. If a tow truck seems suspicious (e.g. no uniform, an unbranded truck), take photos, ask for ID and report them immediately. Read more | South Africa's 2025 property surge: The revival, risks and what to expect next 4. Protect your car from key hacking A lot of car thefts happen through key hacking, which is why it's crucial to take necessary steps to minimise the chances of that happening. There are a few measures you can take: Disable your keyless car entry - In most cases you should be able to disable it on your own through the infotainment system, the instrument cluster or the key fob, but it's best to contact your car manufacturer first to get specific instructions for your particular vehicle. Signal-block your car keys - Using a pouch to store your keys in is the most efficient way to do so, as its metallic material lining helps block radio-frequency signals. Place your keys away from doors and windows - Storing your keys near entry points in your home increases the chances of thieves intercepting the signal from your key fob - keep them further inside to minimise the risk. 5. Turn your wheels to the curb when parking Another simple yet overlooked deterrent - turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking. Doing so makes it harder for thieves to quickly tow or roll your car away and adds resistance for anyone trying to jack up the car and remove the wheels.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
$60k cash gone in seconds; help identify Houston jugging suspect
The Brief A Houston man says $60,000 was stolen from his car in a suspected jugging incident after he withdrew the money from a Capital One Bank. Security video shows a black Toyota RAV4 trailing him to an auto shop, where a suspect was seen taking something from his vehicle. Houston police are investigating, and proposed legislation could soon create a specific criminal charge for jugging in Texas. HOUSTON - A Houston man who asked to remain anonymous said he was targeted in a jugging incident on May 15 that cost him $60,000. What we know The man told FOX 26 he withdrew the money — part of an accident settlement — from the Capital One Bank in Midtown to buy a car and repair his roof. "I was just trying to have the cash to try to negotiate better and that kind of thing. I never expected it was going to all disappear," he said. He said he spent nearly two hours at the bank discussing the transaction in an open booth and believes others nearby could have overheard how much he was withdrawing. He left the bank around 5 p.m. and arrived at an auto shop at 2521 N. Main about 20 minutes later. Security video from the auto shop shows a black Toyota RAV4 driving up and down the street several times before pulling into the lot. A person is seen getting out of the SUV, crouching behind vehicles, and taking something from the victim's car before driving off. "I didn't tell anyone about this transaction," the man said. Dig deeper He said bank representatives later confirmed that the same RAV4 was seen on Capital One's surveillance footage. FOX 26 has reached out to Capital One for confirmation and has not yet received a response. Houston police confirmed they are investigating the case as a burglary of a motor vehicle. Big picture view While Texas does not have a specific charge for jugging, the Texas Bankers Association defines the crime as "a type of crime that involves stealing money from people who have just withdrawn cash from a bank or ATM." Depending on the circumstances, jugging cases can currently be charged as burglary or robbery. House Bill 1902, which passed the Texas House earlier this month, would create a specific charge for jugging and enhance penalties in related theft cases. "I just want police to catch these guys," the victim said. Anyone who recognizes the RAV4 or has information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest or conviction. The Source The information in this story comes from an interview with the victim, statements from the Houston Police Department, surveillance footage from the auto shop, the Texas Bankers Association's definition of jugging, and details from House Bill 1902. FOX 26 also reached out to Capital One Bank for confirmation.
CTV News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
East London auto shop fire causes $250K in damages, prompts safety warning
Fire billowed from an east London auto shop on Monday afternoon. (Source: London Fire Department)
