Multiple arrests during major operation
Douglasdale police arrested 25 suspects during a police operation in North Riding.
The operation took place on the vacant land between Jacaranda Avenue, the old age home and the freeway. “A total of 19 suspects were arrested for loitering while the other six were charged with possession of stolen property and possession of dagga,” said Warrant Officer Balan Muthan, head of communication at the Douglasdale police station.
Muthan said the operation was a joint effort involving security companies and the community.
Colonel Tinus Swart of the station said Sector 1 had the highest number of housebreakings. “It is under control but the incidents are still higher than the other sectors in the area.” He said they suspected vagrants in the open land near Jacaranda Avenue were responsible for the crimes. “We believe criminals are here during the day and move into the suburbs at night,” he said. “If we can make a dent here, we believe the housebreakings in the area will be reduced.”
Swart said some of the vagrants used the area as an illegal dumping ground. He wanted to discourage community members and companies from buying plastic and recycled goods from the vagrants as “it only contributed to the problem”.
