Chairperson, the ACDP is concerned about the increasing reports about cars that are stolen from the service departments of motor dealerships. Such cars, it has been reported, are often stolen after they are serviced, washed, and some still having keys in the ignition. There are suspicions that there are syndicates that are working with some employees on the inside. What is of greater concern is to read about the attitude of some of the car dealers where the thefts are taking place. Some, we are told, refuse to accept responsibility for the loss of the vehicles that have been entrusted to them.
The ACDP believes that the motor dealerships where such cars are stolen must take full responsibility for their negligence. They must be required to replace the stolen car with one as similar as possible to the one which was stolen. We further call on the retail motor industry to ensure that their members improve security on their premises. The retail motor industry must also ensure that its members do not refuse to compensate victims who suffered loss because of lack of proper security and their failure to safeguard cars that have been entrusted to them. Thank you.