Mayville SAPS Community Policing Forum is warning residents of the growing threat posed by organised vehicle theft syndicates and distraction-based criminal gangs operating across Durban and surrounding areas.
The warning was issued at a recent CPF meeting held on Saturday night following the sharp increase in vehicle thefts and hijackings linked to a syndicate commonly referred to as the “Polo Gang”.
Zain Soosiwala of Mayville SAPS CPF said information gathered through community intelligence, victims and CPF structures confirms that the syndicate has been operating in multiple groups using different vehicles fitted with false registration plates.
“The suspects are believed to be highly organised, mobile and coordinated in their operations, with incidents primarily reported within the eThekwini Central region but also spreading into surrounding areas. The syndicate has allegedly been involved in entering residential complexes and security-controlled premises, holding up security officers during vehicle theft operations and targeting unsuspecting motorists. The suspects often use social engineering tactics by first engaging victims in conversation before producing firearms and stealing vehicles,” said Soosiwala.
He said, while older model Volkswagen Polos remain a primary target, there has been a noticeable increase in thefts involving Toyota Hilux vehicles, Toyota Fortuners and Toyota Corolla Cross models.
According to community intelligence reports discussed during the meeting, more than 26 vehicles have allegedly been stolen within the eThekwini Central area since December 2023, although officials believe the actual figure could be significantly higher pending official crime statistics from the South African Police Service. CPF members further highlighted the ongoing efforts by neighbourhood watch groups, private security companies and SAPS to track and apprehend suspects linked to the syndicate.
Several pursuit operations have been conducted, resulting in some arrests. However, the syndicate continues to evade law enforcement due to constantly changing vehicles and registration plates, operating in multiple teams and using coordinated escape routes,” Soosiwala added.
The meeting also heard how License Plate Recognition (LPR) camera systems have assisted community safety structures in tracking suspect movements across various areas; however, attention was also drawn to another criminal syndicate commonly referred to as the “Bumping Gang”, which has allegedly been targeting unsuspecting residents through distraction-based theft methods.
“The suspects in this syndicate are described as well-dressed individuals who approach victims in public spaces and initiate friendly conversations about common interests such as sports, clothing or social topics in an effort to gain trust. They then use close physical proximity and distraction techniques to steal valuables, including cellphones and wallets, without victims immediately noticing.
“Residents are urged to remain alert in public spaces, avoid unnecessary interaction with strangers and remain aware of personal belongings at all times,” Soosiwala emphasised.
The Mayville CPF further encouraged community members to become actively involved in local neighbourhood watches and community safety initiatives, stressing that strong community participation remains one of the most effective tools in combating organised crime within Durban communities.
