A coordinated response by law enforcement and local private security led to the successful arrest of four suspects at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) on September 19.

The popular sporting facility has been plagued with repeated incidents of vehicle thefts, which prompted management to beef up security through investment into CCTV monitoring systems as well as License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology – systems which contributed in the arrests.

According to Anton Koen, of NoJack Vehicle Tracking, the suspects, who had been travelling in a Toyota Corolla and hired Haval H6, allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle in Brakpan earlier in the day but were disturbed.

“Acting swiftly, the East Rand Community Assist Control Room (ECCA) began monitoring and searching for the vehicles making use of LPR cameras dotted across Ekurhuleni,” said Koen.

“The vehicles were tracked to Northerns, resulting in a coordinated response by law enforcement and security officers. Upon arrival, the suspects were allegedly seen attempting to gain access to a Toyota Prado parked at BNSC.

“Noticing approaching officers, the men attempted to flee in one of the vehicles. Due to the swift response by members of Anti-Hijacking Units, law enforcement and private security, they were successfully blocked in and prevented from leaving the premises,” said Koen.

“The second vehicle was identified and two additional suspects were arrested.”

Various suspected vehicle theft implements, including signal jamming devices, were recovered from the vehicles and it was found that both were fitted with false registration plates.

“It was also found that the Toyota Corolla had been reported stolen in Brakpan, in August.

Ivan Henn, BNSC chairman, said that he is saddened that the club facilities had fallen victim to criminal elements, however, he said he is pleased additional security measures, such as the implementation of LPR systems, proved vital in the arrests.

“Since stepping up security at the club we had seen a visible decrease in crime,” he said.

“The safety of our members and visitors to our club is of the upmost importance. We are pleased that through coordinated collaboration between all stakeholders, the criminals’ attempts were thwarted.”

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