Camera surveillance catches suspects

Private security companies arrested three suspects who were allegedly involved in cellphone snatching and believed by some to be wanted in connection with multiple robberies.

The arrests were made on April 12 in Randpark Ridge through the collaboration of the Fidelity ADT, Parkview and Brixton CPF, police and Vumacam.

There had been reports of gunshots in the Randpark Ridge area. It was subsequently established that the suspects were running from the scene, chased by a Fidelity ADT officer.

A high-speed chase ensued when security companies, CPF members, and police responded to the direction of the shooting. The vehicle the suspects were travelling in was flagged on the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system for previous crimes they allegedly committed.

Vehicle number plate details were forwarded to the Fidelity ADT security company and the car was tracked in Melville. Brixton CPF was alerted and Fidelity subsequently deployed their SIU to saturate the area as well as surrounding areas.

Fidelity ADT Specialised Intervention Unit (SIU) members intercepted a vehicle with an unknown number of suspects on Beyers Naudé Drive and chased the vehicle to the corner of Molepe Road and Ysterhout Drive, where it crashed. Three suspects were apprehended with the cellphone and taken to Honeydew Police Station.

Parkview Police Station spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the arrest and indicated that they were investigating two cases of theft of a cellphone and not robbery. Police are yet to confirm if the suspects were involved in any robberies.

Head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group from Fidelity ADT Charnel Hattingh said, “This was such a great example of the power of the camera network. These suspects have been wanted for multiple robberies so we would like to thank all the various role players for their collaboration and support.”

Hattingh cautioned residents to remain vigilant over the long weekend. “The issue of cell phone snatching happens any time of the day, whether people are dining at a restaurant and leave the cell phone on the table or if they are waiting outside on the pavement for an [e-hailing service].”

Fidelity ADT offered residents the following tips to keep safe this Easter weekend:

• Make sure you know the load-shedding roster so that you can plan your walk to a certain destination. Never walk in darkness – ensure you can return home before it is dark
• If you are a victim of an attempted phone snatching, remember to report the incident even if it was just an attempt. A crime will not be recorded unless it is reported.
• Hide your valuables in your bag or inside your jacket pocket. You need to ensure your phone is not visible to passers-by. You must also never talk on your phone while out walking as this makes you an easy target.
• Don’t walk with earphones listening to music. You have to be able to look around and listen.
• Where possible, walk with someone so that you are less vulnerable. Two people can also help to identify perpetrators and the vehicle they are travelling in better than one.

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