Police recover huge cache of suspected stolen goods
Suspected stolen goods were uncovered in several different locations around town by police and J&M Security last week following a tip-off.
According to Mr Johnny Terblanche of J&M Security, they received a hint from an informant regarding a suspect with stolen property, followed it up on March 23 and when it was verified, contacted the White River Flying Squad and detectives.
When police arrived at the smallholding outside town where the suspect was staying, they found suspected stolen property to the value of R400 000 scattered around the property.
After interrogating the suspect, he gave up his two accomplices and police went to search their houses in Spioenkop and Msholozi respectively. The three men were arrested. During the search, a large number of suspected stolen items were found, like generators, wheel barrows, ladders, grinders, brush cutters, bicycles to the value of R200 000, as well as flatscreen televisions and laptops.
The items were seized and are now being stored at the police station. Some of the items have already been identified and handed over to their rightful owners, which includes the owner of a construction company.
If community members have reported stolen goods, they are urged to come and see whether any of these items belong to them.
This will enable the investigating officer to connect the suspects with more crimes and build a stronger case against them. According to Terblanche, around 13 cases have been closed thanks to the find and police expect even more will be closed as the items’ owners come forward.
The three suspects, aged 38 to 51, appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court on March 25 on charges of theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
Two were granted R1 000 bail during their second appearance on Monday, while the third was connected with several crimes in Middelburg and taken into custody there.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious persons and activity to their security company, their community policing subforum or the White River Police Station.
The various subforms have WhatsApp groups for residents of their area, which enables the various parties to quickly react to suspicious activity or crimes.
Mr Ockie Brits, Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairman, urged community members to close windows at night, as suspects can gain entry to properties via windows despite burglar bars. Sliding glass doors should also be properly secured as these can be pulled off their hinges.
Terblanche implored residents to activate their alarms at night and when away, and to rather stick to tried and trusted brands as these are more difficult to hack or bypass.
For enquiries regarding this case, contact the White River Police Station on 013-750-0888.
