This guide seeks to explain what to do if your vehicle is stolen in any of the streets of Africa; your car can be stolen even in the most unlikely places; consider where and how Mr. Kings had his car stolen.
Mr Kings narrates: “My car was stolen from the church parking lot after a bizarre turn of events. The pastor had announced a car anointing service, and an overzealous usher insisted I park my car in an unusual spot.To get more anointing for the family, I brought my sister’s car as well, but the same usher again interfered with my parking. After the service, my car was gone.
The usher denied seeing my car at the church, adding to the mystery. I reported the theft to the police, who suggested arresting the pastor and usher. However, I hesitated due to my relationship with the pastor and the seemingly far-fetched accusation.
I’m unsure how to proceed. The theft has caused significant inconvenience and financial hardship. I need advice on whether to pursue legal action against the church or individuals involved or whether there are other avenues to explore.”
What will you do under these circumstances, assuming you are to walk in Mr. King’s shoes? Here are some extra steps you could take should your vehicle be stolen.
2 Things to do When a Car is Stolen
The following actionable items should be carried out irrespective of the circumstances and the country in Africa where your vehicle was stolen:
Report Theft with your local Police
First, call the police as soon as you realize your car is missing. Provide detailed information about the vehicle, including its make and model, year of manufacture, color, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if available. Mention any distinguishing features such as bumper stickers or custom rims, and specify the exact location and time where the vehicle was last parked.
To speed up your report, check if the car theft report website in you country is available and functional. You may report your vehicle there. Below are some websites for some African countries:
- Nigerian Police Force (This website isn’t entirely functional)
- Ghana Police Service (This page isn’t quite functional)
- South African Police ( Directs you to an offline service)
Most African countries do not have an online system where citizens can report their vehicles as stolen. As the links above suggest, countries like Nigeria et al. have a non-functional car theft report page.
Our next suggestion will provide a workable solution for all the African countries.
Report Theft Online with Vehicle Checks
Reporting your vehicle online for free provides numerous advantages. It allows you to use advanced Vehicle Checks technology to track your stolen vehicle, significantly increasing the chances of its recovery. This technology is currently addressing car theft issues in Nigeria and across Africa, and you can use it at no cost to report your stolen vehicle and expedite its recovery.
Additionally, review your insurance policy thoroughly to understand the specifics of your coverage, including your deductible, rental car reimbursement terms, and any other relevant provisions. Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report, as this document is crucial for insurance claims, legal purposes, and future reference if the car is recovered or further issues arise.
Stay Up to Date
Stay alert for any updates regarding your car’s recovery by regularly checking with the police, Vehicle Checks, and your insurance company for any new information. If you spot your car, do not approach it yourself (this depends on who you are) and immediately contact the police to handle the situation.
Sharing information about your stolen car on social media and local community groups can sometimes lead to tips or sightings, thanks to the extra visibility.
Read Also: How to Find a Stolen Car Without a GPS Car Tracker
Dealing with Stolen Personal Belonging
Since personal information might have been in the stolen car, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports with major credit bureaus to help prevent identity theft. If you have debit cards or credit cards inside the stolen vehicle, be sure to report them to your banks and block the card usage.
To discourage future thefts it is advisable to have an alarm system, steering wheel lock, a tracking device. Where possible, attempt to park the car in well lit and highly guarded places or even parking lots. Purse and other valuable items should not be left in an open area where they can easily be noticed inside the car, while spare keys should not be left in the car or where they can easily be obtained by anyone.
The following measures may be effective in reducing the immediate effects of car theft and the possibility of getting your car back. Taking quick action and being quite productive explains that you are doing everything you can to manage it successfully.
Experiencing a car theft can be incredibly stressful and unsettling. However, by promptly taking action and following the steps outlined above, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering your stolen vehicle and minimize the impact of the theft. Acting swiftly by contacting the police and your insurance company, canceling any compromised credit cards.
Additionally, using technology such as Vehicle Checks can aid in tracking and potentially recovering your vehicle. Staying vigilant and proactive not only helps in the immediate aftermath but also in safeguarding against future incidents. Remember, every step you take contributes to mitigating the consequences of this distressing event.
