The sandman, a cross dresser and battery thieves
Not all thefts are notable for being big or small. Some are just plain weird.
THESE are tough times indeed. The petrol price is approaching an all time high, the unemployment rate is at 24 per cent, and a small batch of groceries is costing more and more money. It’s not the best backdrop if you have items that are desirable. We’re all familiar with the usual spectrum of theft, be it flat screen TVs, smartphones, cable theft or small time grabs like restaurant silverware.
But not all thefts are notable for being big or small, rather, it’s because they are just plain weird.
Someone who agrees wholeheartedly is Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS. This week the station opened three of its weirdest cases with regards to theft.
Weird theft # 1 (Clothing, underwear, jewellery and a wig)
Durban North SAPS arrested a vagrant in the bushes around Virginia Airport recently who was found in possession of a blonde wig and a number of unusual items. “He had about four or five plastic bags with expensive women’s clothing, which included skirts, artificial jewellery, and a number of make-up items. We suspect he dolls himself up at night to solicit sex as a way to make money,” he said.
Weird theft # 2 (Truck batteries)
“Two trucks in Aurora Drive, uMhlanga had their batteries stolen after being parked on the verge overnight. The owner said when he approached the trucks, he discovered the batteries were missing and notified the police,” he said. Deokaran suggested buying an anti-theft bracket which stops battery theft.
Weird theft # 3 (Stealing sand)
It gets weirder still with the theft of sand as the third and final case. “The first arrest was of a man who has stolen approximately R1 000 of building sand. He was caught loading sand from a property under construction into his bakkie on Herrwood Drive. Coincidentally we were later told that a month ago, a property in Sunningdale had a sign up saying ‘free sand’, so he could’ve looked around before stealing.
This may not have gotten a mention but earlier this year a car in Romsey Grove has all four of its tyres stolen.
