A Durban North security company is urging residents to report crimes and open cases with police after two suspects accused of theft were released without charges when a homeowner declined to lay a complaint.

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According to private security firm Marshall Security, the incident occurred at about 12:52 on Lancaster Grove when a resident reported on a WhatsApp crime alert group that two suspects had entered their property and stolen two fans before fleeing toward the rear of the premises.

Descriptions of the suspects’ clothing were shared with responding officers. Armed response officers from Marshall Security immediately proceeded to the area to search for the suspects.

“While patrolling Tramway Road, officers spotted two men walking quickly with bags over their shoulders that matched the circulated descriptions. The suspects were apprehended and the bags searched, leading to the recovery of the stolen fans,” said the company’s spokesperson, Tyron Powell.

However, when the homeowner was contacted, they indicated that they did not wish to open a criminal case.

The suspects were transported by officers from SAPS at Greenwood Park Police Station for processing but were later released with a verbal warning due to the absence of formal charges.

Powell said the incident highlights the importance of victims reporting crimes and laying charges.

“Without formal charges being laid, suspects are released and are able to return and potentially commit further offences,”  he said.

“Reporting crimes and opening cases not only helps hold offenders accountable but also allows law enforcement to link suspects to other incidents and build stronger cases against repeat offenders,” added Powell.

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