Three arrested in Bedfordview substation theft crackdown
The Blue Hawk Tactical CIU uncovered a stolen streetlight fitting, electrical cabling inside a tyre, and cutting tools in one of the suspects’ trolleys.
The arrest of three suspects for substation infrastructure theft was welcomed by Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys.
Theo Pouroullis, CEO of Tom SaferCity, reported on June 22 that during a routine patrol along Boeing Road in Bedfordview, their Blue Hawk Tactical Crime Intervention Unit (CIU) spotted a man acting suspiciously opposite a substation.
ALSO READ: Police arrest several suspects for looting as nationwide marches remain largely peaceful
A search of his trolley uncovered a stolen street light fitting, electrical cabling concealed inside a tyre, and cutting tools.
“Acting on this, our team checked the area and found that the main substation had been broken into and completely stripped of its infrastructure,” reported Tom.
SAPS was called to the scene. Tom added, “While our units held the scene and waited for police, a third suspect was found hiding behind the substation. All three were arrested and handed to Bedfordview SAPS, along with the recovered items, for charging.”
ALSO READ: SAPS arrests five suspects linked to Edenvale and Germiston kidnapping incidents
Pouroullis warned that substation theft causes prolonged power outages, costly repairs, and genuine safety risks to the community. This result, he said, was exactly why visible, alert patrolling matters.
Pouroullis extended gratitude to Blue Hawk Tactical CIU, RAG, Mamba, and Bedfordview SAPS.
Meanwhile, Clr Humphreys shared that there has been a sudden increase in these incidents, with five occurring in the last two weeks.
“The retirement village is without power and will remain so until all parts can be replaced and the system checked,” said Humphreys.
ALSO READ: Police hunt four suspects after fatal Dunvegan shooting
She added that the ward’s infrastructure is at risk. She said it is especially vulnerable due to ageing and the unavailability of replacement stocks. The councillor said it is essential that the community is alerted to the consequences of this wanton destruction.
“Be extremely vigilant and report anyone hanging around our substations immediately,” Humphreys advised.
