From copper cables and pipes to meat worth R80, theft is rife in town

It is almost the festive season and Mapogo A Mathamaga Security revealed an increase in criminal activity.

Judging by the latest statistics, the security company’s operations manager Danie Vermeulen disclosed that a total of eight incidents were reported for the period from November 13 to 19. Common theft was on top of the list making up four of the eight incidents.

The first incident of common theft occurred in Sutherland Street, Randfontein CBD on November 13 where a perpetrator was busted for stealing meat to the value of R80.

On the same day (November 13), another incident of common theft was reported in Boerner Street, Greenhills. Here perpetrators gained entry onto the premises by forcing open a security door. They then went on to steal copper piping from the geyser.

The third incident of common theft occurred in Markgraaf Street, Brandvlei on November 18.

“Perpetrators gained entrance onto the property and went on to steal copper cables which were supplying electricity to the chicken houses. The supervisor of the property made an alarm and the perpetrators then fled from the scene,” said Vermeulen.

The last theft incident was reported in Van Vuuren Street, Randgate on November 19.

“This is where our client made contact with our control room and requested armed response as there was a perpetrator stealing cables in his premises. After searching the area, our armed reaction officer noticed two suspects matching the description given by the client and that’s when they attempted to flee and made their way into an informal settlement.

“The reaction officer gave chase and one of the suspects then opened fire at our officer, who also returned fire and managed to arrest one of them,” Vermeulen said.

Furthermore, there was also an incident of shoplifting in Main Road, Middelvlei on November 16. Here perpetrators entered a shop and went on to steal a solar system, UPS and a USB speaker. While attempting to flee from the scene, a female suspect fell out of the car and was arrested. She was then handed over to the police.

The security company also recorded an incident of attempted break-in on the same day in Sauer Street, Randgate. It is understood that during this time, perpetrators entered a property and went on to force open a security gate. The suspects, however, fled from the scene when the alarm went off.

Mapogo also responded to a break-in and theft in Mercedes Street, Aureus on November 18 where perpetrators gained entry into a warehouse and went on to cut and steal all copper cables inside.

“Another incident that we responded to on the day [November 18] is that of an armed robbery on Homestead Avenue. This is where three perpetrators overpowered the manager of a shop while she was busy closing the shop. They then forced her incident the building and robbed her of an undisclosed amount of cash and alcohol.”