Theft of speed point machines continue in uMhlanga

Theives attempting to steal speed point machines from service stations and restaurant owners have shifted their focus to the uMhlanga Ridge area.

According to Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the Durban North SAPS, more than six cases have been registered in the station’s policing precinct.

Last month, Deokaran said suspects involved in the theft had targeted businesses in the village but of late, three cases had been registered in the uMhlanga Ridge area. It is unclear what the criminals gain from the theft, however police believe it is for fraudulent purposes.

“We feel the theft of these machines are with fraudulent intentions but investigating officers are trying to find out how the theft benefits the thieves. We have had cases targeting restaurants and service stations where the suspects steal the machines.

“Often the thieves use subtlety but in some cases at service stations, the suspects pretend to pay for petrol via card and drive off with the machine. In one case, a speed point machine was replaced by a non-functioning machine in uMhlanga. The restaurant only realised this a few hours later,” he said.

He added the trend has emerged in the last two months, particularly since the easing of Covid-19 regulations.