Sir,
I have a tip for criminals in Dundee. Commit your crime just before the change-over of shifts at the police station. This will give you a couple of extra hours to make your getaway.
I tried to report the theft of my cell phone at the Dundee police station at 4.45 pm on a Saturday afternoon in September.
I was asked to bring the original box in which the phone was purchased so I returned home and fetched it.
On my return to the station one of the policemen on duty filled in a form giving all the information relating to the phone and told me to take it to the dealer where I had bought it and they would replace the phone as it was insured.
I said I wanted to open a case of theft because I know who the thief is and was advised that I should sit and wait as they were in the middle of a shift change.
After 20 minutes of waiting and watching police walk in and out of the station, I asked when someone could help me.
I was again told, very rudely, to sit and wait.
I left the police station while the criminal went home safely with my cell phone, which my insurance company will no doubt replace, and I will lose my no-claim-bonus.
But I will open a case and do my best, against all odds, to have the thief caught and punished.
Why is doing the right thing so difficult to achieve?
Colleen Hefer
Major Zwane, SAPS spokesman, commented:
The alleged complaint was brought under the attention of the station commander and the matter is being investigated internally.
When the investigation is completed, disciplinary steps will be taken against the members involved.
Major Zwane
