Computer thieves caught on camera

A local computer store, I Need IT cc, has been the repeated victim of crime during October, the last event taking place right in front of shop staff on a Sunday morning last week.

A young couple, who had visited the shop numerous times before and can be identified, waited for the shop assistant to turn away and then grabbed four Mecer Android Tablets before running away into the parking lot, said the manager, Gerhard Nel.

By the time the assistant was able to lock the shop and take pursuit, they had disappeared.

Nel said this was not the first time the shop was targeted by criminals in October but definitely the most blatant and brazen he had seen in a while.

CCTV video footage shows on a previous occasion when this couple visited the shop, they were accompanied by a third man, and they left in a white luxury car.

During that visit the younger man helped himself to an item off the counter while the shop assistant was distracted. This was clearly visible on the video footage of that day but was unfortunately seen too late to help apprehend them on their next visit.

Three weeks ago a laptop was discovered missing and by going through the video footage of that day’s activities, it became clear how a female couple distracted the shop assistant. While he was busy at the till, the other woman put the laptop in her bag while behind the cover of some shelves.

The laptop was on display and was still unlocked after it had been demonstrated to a potential buyer.

“A recent stock take showed that significant stock loss had occurred in October, more than ever recorded before in the shop’s history. Security has been improved and I want to warn retailers that the usual Christmas crime is on the up,” Nel said.

If you think you have been sold a stolen item, contact the shop to confirm serial numbers and for further advice. These numbers have been handed in to insurance companies and local retailers and have also been blacklisted.

Two cases of theft had been opened at Kempton Park SAPS.

Video footage of the events are on www.looklocal.co.za

If anybody recognises them they should call Nel on 011-391-2370 during work hours, or Sgt Seloba on 011-393-8600.