AN alleged thief was arrested after being found in possession of 2m of piping and a copper tap on Swapo Road (Broadway) on Monday morning.

The incident occurred at about 07:40 when armed response officers received a report of a man seen on the corner of Balgownie and Graham Place reportedly removing pipes from the bushes.

Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell said the officers then spotted the suspect matching the description and questioned him about a bag and pipes he was carrying.

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“The suspect denied knowing anything about the items and walked away empty-handed. A short while later, officers saw the same suspect again, this time walking along Swapo Road, carrying a brown bag containing 2m of piping and a copper tap.

“Our officers stopped him once more and questioned him about the items. The suspect could not provide a reasonable explanation for where he had obtained them and was immediately apprehended. The suspect was handed over to Durban North SAPS for further processing and investigation.”

Powell called on residents who’d fallen victim to copper theft to report the matter to SAPS.

“Copper pipe theft remains one of the top reported crimes. We strongly urge the community to remain vigilant,” he said.

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