Avoca thief’s crime spree cut short
He was arrested by the police while attempting his second offense of the day, said Lt Col Zethu Ngobese of Greenwood Park SAPS.
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THE luck of a brazen thief ran out on Wednesday afternoon after he went on a crime spree in Avoca.
He was arrested by the police while attempting his second offense of the day, said Lt Col Zethu Ngobese, of Greenwood Park SAPS.
His day, according to police, began with an armed robbery on Avoca Hills Drive at around noon, where he targeted a woman during her daily commute. After threatening her at knife point he snatched her handbag, which contained her cellphone, ID and an undisclosed amount of cash, before he fled the scene.
Following his successful getaway the robber moved to Courtown Crescent, where he broke into a house at about 2pm. “Fortunately the suspect was spotted by a member of the public who began shouting for help. The suspect grabbed some of the stolen items and fled the scene. He hid the stolen goods in the bushes before making his way to the railway lines. However, Greenwood Park police and Royal Alarms members were hot on his heels, and managed to arrest the suspect before he could escape,” said Ngobese.
While being escorted to the police van the woman was standing among the crown of spectators. She immediately recognised him and identified him as the man who attacked and robbed her earlier that day.
Ngobese confirmed that cases of armed robbery and house-breaking had been opened at the station.