PRETORIA �An alleged car thief could not escaped the long arm of the law when the South African Police Service (SAPS) Brooklyn and one of their security partners worked together to arrest him.
Yesterday, 19 February 2019 at about 11:45 a supervisor from the CSI Security Company received a panic signal from a restaurant in Alphen Park, Pretoria. He immediately responded and was informed by a car guard that an unknown man tried to steal a Ford Ranger bakkie. The suspect was seen as he got into a getaway vehicle that was waiting for him and sped off.
The CSI armed reaction team pursuit ad called for back-up from Brooklyn SAPS. The high speed chase led into one of the parking areas of Menlyn Park Shopping Center. The suspects jumped from their vehicle and fled further on foot. Together the SAPS and CSI Security managed to arrest one of the suspects. The other one escaped and is still at large.
The 51-year-old owner of the Ford Ranger bakkie was inside the restaurant at the time of the incident. He later reported that the door of his bakkie was damaged.
Brigadier Kushie Nair, Station Commander for Brooklyn SAPS commended this teamwork between all parties involved. Through partnerships like these, Brooklyn SAPS will continue to make inroads in vehicle related crimes.
In recent weeks vehicle related crimes were high in the Brooklyn policing precinct. It only takes about two minutes for a criminal to steal a vehicle. Therefore motorists are once again requested to park intelligently. Park where there is visible security available. It is safer to park inside a yard or at a secured paid for parking area. Most vehicles are stolen from pavements. Always keep all windows and doors locked even if the vehicle is parked at home. Install a tracking device to make it more difficult for criminals to get away with the vehicle. All valuables such as laptops must be removed from parked vehicles.
The 26-year-old suspect from Germiston will appear in court soon for attempted theft of motor vehicle. Investigation continues to link him to other vehicle related crimes.
Report any suspicious persons, vehicles (especially ones without number plates) or circumstances to the police immediately by phoning the 10111 emergency-number or the Brooklyn police’s 24-hour number at (012) 366 1735/6. Information with regards to crime can be given to the police anonymously by phoning 08600 10111 or by sending an SMS to 32211.
Source: South African Police Service