Residents in the east of Pretoria are being warned of a spike in bicycle thefts.
According to Bull Security, the theft of bicycles is a big challenge in the east of Pretoria.
Spokesperson French Jooste said the company was noting with concern that thieves were targeting valuable bicycles as there is a thriving market encouraging resale of stolen bicycles.
Jooste said on Tuesday morning (July 23), Bull Security had arrested one suspect caught in possession of a bicycle worth R20 000.
“In the early hours one of our officers was on a routine night patrol when he noted something suspicious in the veld.
“Upon further investigation, he found a suspect with a bicycle trying to hide from him.”
Jooste said once the suspect saw the officer, he dropped the bicycle and started running. Backup was called and a chase ensued on foot.
“Our officers managed to catch up and detain the suspect.”
He said the suspect admitted that he had stolen the bicycle from an empty house in the area, and the officers asked him to take them to the house.
“The suspect took them to an empty house in the area but our officers didn’t believe his version of the story.”
Jooste said the control centre circulated photos of the bicycle to local community groups from the area and got hold of the owner.
“It was established that the bicycle was costly,” Jooste said.
He said the owner opened a case, and the suspect was handed over to Garsfontein SAPS.
Jooste said there’s a trend of bicycle theft, especially in the early hours.
In a separate incident, Complete Security Intelligence (CSI) arrested two suspects in Lynnwood for theft of bicycles on Wednesday, July 17 after units responded at 03:36.
CEO Dana Bloem said they were responded to a bicycle theft incident in Lynnwood.
He said the unit received information from the complainant that two bicycles had been stolen from the property.
“The unit searched the area and observed a man on the corner of Sussex [Avenue]. After questioning the individual, it was determined that he was a security guard who saw people running into the woods,” Bloem said.
He said while the R1 unit was searching the area, a man was spotted riding a bicycle on Lynnwood Road.
Bloem said the unit pursued the suspect and apprehended him.
“A second suspect was apprehended by officers of CSI 4 unit and Brinant in a nearby yard.”
He said the stolen bicycles were recovered and returned to the complainant.
The apprehended suspects were taken to the police station for booking and further investigation.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk confirmed the arrest.
“The suspects were arrested for possession of stolen property and handed over to Brooklyn police.”
Jooste offered the following safety tips:
– Lock your bicycle inside a garage with the necessary outside beams and early warning systems in place. Never leave your bicycle unattended outside.
– Out of mind out of sight: Be careful what you post on social media, remember criminals also have access to Facebook.
– When travelling to a bicycle event, make sure that your bicycle is properly locked and secured on the bracket you use to transport it.
– Never cycle alone, always cycle in a group.
– If you meet with friends at a coffee shop, make sure you always have eyes on your bicycle. Never leave your bicycle unattended. If you have a chain, use it.
– Ensure your bicycle is properly insured with your insurance company.
– Make sure you have proper photos of your bicycle. In the event of it being stolen, it makes it easier for security companies to be on the lookout for that specific bicycle. Most expensive bicycles have serial numbers, also write that down.
– Sell your bicycle through a bicycle dealership and avoid Facebook marketplace.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
