News from Berea SAPS

Trolley thief arrested

A man was arrested for theft on Friday afternoon after he was found in possession of a trolley taken from a store at a mall in Overport.

According to Lieutenant PN Naidoo, Communications Officer at Berea SAPS, a security guard at the shopping mall saw the man pushing one of the trolleys with empty boxes in it out the centre.

“The guard asked him where he was taking the trolley and the accused said he was taking it with him. The security called for the police who responded and the man was arrested and taken to the manger who verified that the trolley belonged to the store. The man was detained at Berea SAPS.

“A word of warning goes out to the public that the trolleys that are available at the shopping malls must be utilised on the property by customers of that store and must not be taken out of the property, you will be prosecuted if you steal the trolley,” warned Naidoo.

Window and burglar guards recovered

A Musgrave man was lucky to have his alluminium window frame and burglar guard returned to him on Saturday morning thanks to efficient police work.

According to Lt PN Naidoo the man left his home on Essenwood Road to go to work when he noticed a man carrying his window frame and burglar guard. “When he approached the suspect, the suspect ran and the man called for the police who responded speedily, gave chase and the suspect dropped the property and fled. The suspect was arrested in Botanic Gardens Road later on. He was identified and charged for theft and detained at Berea SAPS.

Navigator recovered

A woman who parked her car on Montpelier Road was lucky to have her Garmin GPS navigator returned to her after a man stole it from her open window on Saturday morning.

“The woman locked and parked her car, but the passenger window was opened. She was later approached by a man who informed her that he noticed someone stealing from her vehicle,” explained Lt PN Naidoo.

The good Samaritan called the police and also assisted the police by pointing out the suspect who was arrested for theft out of a motor vehicle. The Garmin was recovered and given back to the owner.

Berea SAPS destroy exhibits

Berea police held an operation to clean up their exhibit room this week.

According to Lt PN Naidoo the clean up included destroying and auctioning all exhibits in cases that have been finalised.

Crime Awareness

“As public safety is our concern, we make an urgent appeal to the community to always be alert, safe guard your property and lock all doors and windows even at night whilst sleeping,” advised Lt PN Naidoo.

He added that people must not leave valuables unattended as there were many opportunistic criminals watching. “They may not want to steal but if the opportunity arises they will, so protect your property and do not leave valuables like laptops, cellphones, clothing or firearms in vehicles,” he added.