House Breaker brought to book

A thief was apprehended after he broke into a store in Hermanus and stole fifteen bags on Monday, 20 March 2015.

At about 07h00, Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) Supervisor Percy Coxson was on patrol in the Westcliffe area when he noticed a suspicious male walking along a cliff path. As the Officer exited his vehicle the man immediately ran away.

Coxson requested backup and continued to patrol the area, keeping an eye out for the suspect. HPP Supervisor Deon Matinka, ADT Armed Response Officer (ARO) Eugene Du Plessis and additional HPP Officers arrived at the scene and assisted in the search for the man. The suspect was quickly spotted and apprehended under the bridge at Rietfontein. 15 bags – worth about R3000.00 – were found in his possession.

“The thief was handed over for arrest to the South African Police Service (SAPS),” said Jason Botes, ADT Security’s Area Guarding Manager in Hermanus. “This apprehension is yet another fine example of our successful partnership with the HPP. In working together to bring down criminals we ensure a safer environment for members of the community.”

Botes appealed to business owners to be extra careful and to take precaution to safeguard themselves and their businesses against crime.

• Install an alarm system coupled to an armed response company and get to know the officers who patrol your area.
• Be especially vigilant when opening or closing the store early in the morning or late at night. It’s common for criminals to force staff inside and get them to open the safe or tills.
• Keep your business well-lit inside and outside and also keep trees and bushes trimmed so that they don’t obscure outdoor lights.
• Work with a security supplier who can offer a tailor-made solution to your security needs – your location, store layout, stock and customer profile makes you unique.