The management of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria said on Friday they are working closely with the police to tackle criminal activity in the mall.

A man has described to Eyewitness News how he found a thief inside his car when he returned from shopping.

The police have confirmed an increase in vehicle-related crime at the centre.

Menlyn Park management declined an interview but issued a statement saying they meet with the police at least once a week, and have noted car theft syndicates operating in the east of Pretoria.

They said the mall has extensive security in place and guards have been deployed to support their existing measures.

But this did not stop thieves fleeing the mall when Chris Potgieter caught them in the act.

“There was a chap sitting in my bakkie. I said ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ He jumped out and got into another vehicle next door. I ran to a security guard but [the thieves] just pulled out and got away,” he said.

The police have asked shoppers to be vigilant.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)