QUICK thinking followed by the swift action of a pawn shop employee, Allan Kuhnel, resulted in the recovery of a fishing ski on Wednesday 8 February that had been stolen from an Umfuleni road residence in Doonheights, a fortnight ago.
Armed with a tip-off from fellow Macro Pawn employee, Martie van Eerden, Allan identified the fishing ski when it was brought into the Kingsway road pawnshop, as one that had been stolen together with another ski and the Hilux bakkie they were secured onto.
“On Wednesday just before lunchtime a man came into Macro Pawn wanting to sell us a fishing ski. He showed us the picture of it on his phone,” said employee, Alicia Loots.
Earlier that day another staff member, Martie van Eerden had seen a post on Whatsapp group ‘Shulton Park Crime Group’, of a Hilux 4×4 double cab bakkie with two fishing skis on the roof, which had been stolen Saturday night, 28 January.
“I let Allan know about the Whatsapp post and he stalled for time while I contacted the fishing ski owner Darryl Brokes. Allan asked for the man’s ID and that the fishing ski be brought to the shop for a better price assessment,” said Martie.
After lunchtime the ‘seller’ returned with two other men and the fishing ski. Owner of the ski, Darryl was already there posing as a client in the shop. He identified the ski from afar and signalled Allan. The CCPO were first to arrive and Toti SAPS shortly thereafter to arrest the three suspects. After further questioning, the men explained that they found the fishing ski on the side of the road and were not responsible for the theft. The Hilux bakkie and other fishing ski have not been found and its whereabouts are unknown. Owner of the car Darryl Brokes thanked Allan and the other employees for their swift action on Wednesday.
This is a clear indication of the importance of pulling together as a community, be it through social media groups or word of mouth, to combat local crime.
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