Four people will appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court after a shoplifting incident turned into a car chase and ended with the arrest of three men and one woman.
Sergeant Gloria Maswanganye, spokesperson for the Hekpoort Police explained what had happened. She said the four suspects, aged between 33 and 43 years were arrested by the Hekpoort and Magaliesburg Police on 14 April.
The arrest came after staff of the Ackermans retailer suspected that the woman who was leaving the shop was in possession of items that had not been paid for.”
Maswanganye said the woman and a man subsequently ran to a car and it sped off. The staff alerted the Magaliesburg Police, and the Hekpoort Police also received a lookout for the suspects’ white Honda Ballade.
“The police responded swiftly and found the vehicle on the R24 in Maanhaarrand around the Hekpoort policing precinct.”
They tried to stop the car but it sped off again and police gave chase.
The suspects were apprehended before they could reach Rustenburg. The vehicle was searched, and brand-new kids shoes from the Ackermans and PEP stores were found. The preliminary investigation revealed that the PEP store shoes were shoplifted in Tembisa.
According to Maswanganye, the Hekpoort Police station commander, Captain Tebogo Kgomu commended the Magaliesburg and Hekpoort Police members for their commitment to creating a safe environment for the community. She also thanked the Ackermans staff for reporting the incident without delay.
Maswanganye also explained some of the techniques shoplifters use, and what to watch out for:
• A large open bag is a common shoplifter tool. It is placed at the thief’s feet, and objects are casually dropped into it.
• Keep an eye out for shopping bags that are not from local stores.
• Women sometimes use their handbags to hide stolen items.
• The best prevention in these cases is to watch the customers very carefully.
• A baby carriage or stroller is a great tool for shoplifters.
• Some thieves even use built-in false bottoms in baby carriages.
• A newspaper can be used to hide small objects.
• Umbrellas with handles are handy for shoplifters trying to steal small items.
The Hekpoort Police can be contacted on 014 576 9100 or on the Crime Stop number on 0860 010 111.
