Quick response in Blairgowrie leads to two arrests
Beagle Watch officers detained two men after an early-morning alarm activation revealed a burglary in progress, with a drone pinpointing the suspects’ hiding places.
Blairgowrie residents can rest a little easier after two men were arrested in the early hours of November 26, following a burglary in progress.
The swift and co-ordinated response from Beagle Watch, aided by drone technology, was central to the successful apprehension.
The incident began at 02:08, when a Willowvale Road homeowner’s alarm was triggered. Although the resident initially cancelled the response, he soon noticed a suspect in his backyard via CCTV, and pressed his panic button, prompting an urgent dispatch.
Read more: 3 men found with firearms, house burglary implements in Bordeaux
“Once the control room reported a burglary in progress, all five Blairgowrie response vehicles were immediately dispatched,” said Beagle Watch area manager David Caseiro. “Officers arrived within two minutes. Anticipating that suspects often escape by jumping walls, nearby streets were blocked to prevent any getaway.”
Caseiro explained that a planned operation nearby was interrupted as the operations manager and drone operator rushed to assist. “The drone proved invaluable. It tracked the suspects as they moved from the main property on Willowvale Road into three neighbouring yards along Bantam Drive. With the drone’s guidance, officers were able to locate and detain the two men hiding separately.”
Also read: Burglary myths
The suspects were handed over to Linden SAPS, charged with malicious property damage, and have already appeared in court. Caseiro confirmed they had attempted to steal an outside perimeter beam, damaging it during their escape.
He also shared key safety advice for residents:
- Regularly test and maintain alarm systems,
- Allow response teams to investigate activated alarms rather than cancelling them,
- Install and protect outdoor beams with brackets to prevent tampering,
- Conduct property risk assessments or request a free assessment from a security provider, and
- Provide detailed information when witnessing a crime to assist officers in identifying suspects quickly.
Caseiro praised the community’s vigilance and the rapid, organised response that led to the arrests. “This incident is a reminder that preparation, co-ordination, and awareness can make all the difference in keeping our neighbourhoods safe.”
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