![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2016/08/arrest_84964.jpg)
A BLUE Security armed response officer single-handedly arrested two alleged thieves and recovered stolen goods within the space of six hours this week.
Blue Security operations manager Brian Jackson said the quick thinking armed response officer who attended to a burglary at a business premises in Umgeni Road had tracked down and arrested an alleged suspect at around 1am on Tuesday morning.
“The burglar had smashed a window and forced open the burglar guards to gain entry but a witness had allegedly seen him break in and flee with several tyres. Our officer arrived swiftly at the scene, took a description from the witness and called for backup before going out to track down the alleged burglar. He found him walking along Silver Avenue with three tyres in his possession. When he could not account for where he had picked up the tyres our officer arrested him and handed him over to the police,” he said.
Durban Central SAPS took the suspect into custody.
Jackson added that the same officer had just six hours earlier arrested an alleged shoplifter in Cowey Road on Monday evening after he was spotted in a shop placing goods into his bag.
“The store manager showed our officer CCTV footage of the alleged shoplifter placing the goods into his bag and then going to pay for other items at the till-point. As he left the shop a security officer called him back but he fled across the road,” he said.
The officer gave chase and the suspect then threw his bag down and lay on the pavement. The officer arrested the suspect and recovered the stolen goods before handing him over to the Berea SAPS.
Jackson commended the officer for his dedication in the fight against crime.
“We are extremely proud of our team of professional armed response officers who go the extra mile to protect our clients and their properties. Our team is determined to bring criminals to book to send a strong message that crime will not be tolerated on our watch and so that all the people of our city can feel safe again,” he said.