The curious case of the Bosch’s bizarre wiper theft
Stellenbosch beware! Wind screen wiper theft appears to be on the rise. PHOTO: Catherine Del Monte
The hair-raising screech that follows after switching on the windscreen wipers as two bladeless arms grate across the glass is becoming an all too familiar experience for many of Stellenbosch’s residents.
From bicycles to badges, the latest “petty” peeve on the criminals’ menu are windscreen wipers.
Smash and grabs are a common occurrence in Stellenbosch, however, the latest crime of choice is windscreen wiper theft. PHOTO: Catherine Del Monte
On Tuesday morning 21 May, Midas store owner in Merriman Avenue, Anthony McDonald, reported that six people had already been to the shop to replace their stolen windscreen wipers.
McDonald estimates approximately 12 to 15 incidents per week, pointing out that they are only one of five motor spare shops in Stellenbosch.
“One customer came in three times in one week to replace her wiper blades, costing her R360,” says McDonald.
Third year marketing student, Nicole Greeff, had a similar experience. Her wiper blades were stolen three times in one month in Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch Central. “[…] and all three of my flat mates’ wipers as well,” she comments.
The incidents appear to be concentrated in Andringa Street and feather out onto campus. Fourth year industrial engineering student, Justin Nel was confronted with bladeless wipers on his Toyota Yaris last week Tuesday, outside the engineering block, also in Banghoek Road.
Small, town cars (usually take an 18inch blade) seem to be the targeted model, with incidents of theft concentrated in Andringa Street and up onto Campus with several incidents taking place in Banghoek Road. PHOTO: Catherine Del Monte
Small, town cars (usually take an 18inch blade) seem to be the targeted model, with incidents of theft concentrated in Andringa Street and up onto Campus with several incidents taking place in Banghoek Road. PHOTO: Catherine Del Monte
Security guard in Crozier Street, Mr D.E. Willemse, has been manning the booms for eight years and has never heard of windscreen wiper theft on campus.
Willemse surmises a reason for these crimes could be similar to those involving the theft of small car parts like petrol caps, badges and hubcaps which are often sold to taxi drivers at the rank in Bird Street for drug money.
Editor of Athlete Magazine and Stellenbosch University alumni, Sean Falconer says that, “there is also a chance that this is just traditional student pranking (‘studente pret’), which Stellenbosch is known for”.
Despite there being sufficient evidence that incidents of windscreen wiper theft are on-going, they are not being reported to Campus Security nor to SAPS, both unaware of the theft. SCREENSHOT: Facebook Stellenbosch Community page.
Despite there being sufficient evidence that incidents of windscreen wiper theft are on-going, they are not being reported to Campus Security nor to SAPS, both unaware of the theft. SCREENSHOT: Facebook Stellenbosch Community page.
“I don’t see there being a market for second-hand wiper blades,” says McDonald, also alluding to it possibly being a student prank.
When approached, Campus Security was unaware of the theft and said they had not received any reports regarding windscreen wiper theft.
Captain Natalie Martin, Corporate Communications Officer at the Stellenbosch police station says: “We don’t have a problem with theft of windshield wipers. If these types of crimes do take place, then it’s not reported at SAPS. So there is no syndicate and yes, if you are caught you will be prosecuted”.
Captain Martin presumes that the crimes are not being reported possibly due to the misconception that it is “too petty” a crime to report and because windshield wipers are inexpensive to replace.
But prices become a pain in the pocket when wiper theft becomes a common occurrence. Imported cars like the Citroen C2’s and Peugeots can set one back R400 per wiper as these parts are dealer-specific where there is a big mark-up.
Wiper blades from run-of-the-mill vehicles such as City Golfs and Toyota Corollas can, however, be replaced for the more affordable price of R180 to R200.
McDonald says that customers are buying spares and keeping them in the boot. “Where do you draw the line? For a person that has got money to go and buy, it’s fine, not for somebody that doesn’t […] and never mind that they’ve been stolen, the minute you switch on those wiper blades, you scratch the windscreen and that is even bigger money,” He adds.
McDonald says, however, that removing the wipers is also not a water-tight solution because fumbling around in the dark to fit them, leaves one vulnerable to mugging.
“If a lot of people got together, went to all the cameras, you would find this person. If you put a reward out, you would find this person, because this person is damaging lots of peoples’ property and just getting away with it.”
The “who-done-it” question lingers on – just a senseless prank…or the work of a scheming syndicate?