Suspected house burglar arrested by Westville police
The police chased the suspect on foot and apprehended him on the M13 freeway, where he was found in possession of two cellphones suspected to have been stolen during the burglary.
ON Tuesday night the Westville SAPS crime prevention team arrested a 31-year-old man suspected of breaking into a house on York Terrace who was found to be in possession of goods suspected to be stolen.
Westville SAPS communications officer Captain Elizabeth Squires said the arrest and recovery happened after the station’s crime prevention team attended to reports of a house break-in in progress “where two expensive cellphones were taken”.
Squires said it is suspected that the suspect allegedly gained entry to the house through the window whilst occupants were home.
“The family with their children were inside the house at that time. They heard the noises in the room, then saw the suspect getting out through a window,” said Squires.
She added that once the homeowner realised that his cellphones had been stolen, they immediately called the police, and the Westville SAPS crime prevention members who were on duty responded.
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“Members immediately mobilised tactically and spotted the suspect running on the M13 Freeway towards Pinetown.
“Members gave chase on foot onto the M13 freeway, where they apprehended the 31-year-old suspect who was in possession of both the cellphones taken at the burglary
“He was arrested and detained at Westville SAPS for house break-in and theft and for further investigation,” said Squires.
Westville SAPS station commander Colonel Sharon Zamantungwa Sihlangu applauded the officers for their quick response in apprehending the suspect and for recovering the cellphones.
The police in Westville have cautioned that house break-ins are on the increase, in particular in the Westville central area.
They have advised residents to always ensure that their properties are safe and secure; install an alarm system, and a panic button; put up high fences, and if possible, have electric fences; and in emergencies immediately call 10111 or the local police.
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