Six vehicle thieves found themselves behind bars on Monday, 21 October, thanks to an alert of a St Winifreds resident and her two teen children, and the proactive and good working relationship between police and local crime fighters.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said she had just left home with her children in the car when they saw two men jumped out and rip off a vehicle’s registration plate in Whitfield Drive. “It happened so quick and I just wanted to get away, because I had my children in the car,” she said.
Unfortunately for the thieves, her 12 and 14-year-old daughters, who were quick-minded enough to note a description of the men and the vehicle, pressed their panic button and posted on their neighbourhood crime group.
A call to the CCPO resulted in the message being relayed over their radio and the search was on. An alert ET Rapid Response guard on the Toti Mall rooftop spotted a vehicle matching the description and alerted members on the radio.
READ ALSO: Three killed in Isipingo shooting
“The vehicle left, but he was able to see which direction it was travelling, with the search quickly leading to the civic centre,” said CCPO committee member, George Snodey. The vehicle was found making a turn at the rugby club, where it was stopped.
Once it was searched by SAPS and Metro Police officers, they found tools of the trade such as diagnostic tools, computer boxes, a pellet gun that could possibly be used to carjack someone who doesn’t know firearms, and the registration plates in the car. The suspects were arrested and taken to Toti SAPS for further investigation.
“If you still don’t believe in the CCPO concept, it’s time you changed your mindset and joined us in the fight against crime. Car theft is now so prevalent and they are stealing cars at will. Monday was proof that the system works, with all the guys involved, including SAPS crime prevention, Metro Police K9 unit, the tracking company, ET and Blue Security, that all carrying CCPO radios and are able to follow the goings on.
The public needs to play its role, not only in contributing financially, but being aware of what’s happening around you. We command this resident for her vigilance yesterday, as there was no doubt they were going to steal a car. The places they made a turn at have all had a few cars stolen over a period and these guys came prepared to take another one. It’s time to sign up people, it’s never too late,” said Snodey.
READ ALSO: Vehicle thieves bust by alert crime fighters
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
