A 41-year-old hairdresser was sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing gum valued at R200 from the Menlyn Park shopping centre, it was revealed this week.
The woman was one of four shoplifters convicted to a collective nine years prison sentence by the Hatfield Community Court recently, according to Brooklyn police spokesperson Colette Weilbach.
The shoplifters were arrested at Brooklyn Mall and Menlyn Park shopping centres during February and March 2019.
The station made a total of 40 arrests in March alone for shoplifting and theft.
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“An unemployed Atteridgeville man (24) were sentenced to three years imprisonment after he stole jeans at Brooklyn Mall to the value of about R1 500,” said Weilbach.
“An unemployed Hillbrow man was sentenced to two years imprisonment after he stole blenders and a kettle to the value of more than R4 000, also at Brooklyn Mall.
“A 37-year-old self-employed woman from Germiston stole more than R9 000 worth of clothing at Menlyn Park shopping centre.
She was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
“These sentences are an indication that the SAPS regard it just as serious as any other property-related crimes,” said Weilbach.
Constable Romeo Mohlala, from the Brooklyn detectives, was responsible for the investigation of all four cases.
Brooklyn police station Commander Brigadier Kushie Nair commended Mohlala for his “sterling work and meticulous investigation”.
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“Mohlala takes pride in his work and gives priority to each case that lands on his table.”
She also thanked the assistance of mall and shop security personnel.
“Shoplifters often work together in a syndicate and are often repeat offenders,” said Nair.
“They are dropped off at a shopping mall to commit their crimes.
“Oversized bags with a foil lining, large trousers and jackets, handbags and shopping bags are used to hide stolen items.”
Shop managers and owners are advised to enhance their security by installing CCTV cameras on face level and to put security officers in plain clothing on the floor.
Where possible, shop managers must also have a “no hat” policy inside their shops.
“This – and the harsh sentences imposed by the courts – serve as a warning to other shoplifters that they will get caught at some stage to feel the full might of the law,” said Nair.
ALSO READ: Police hope shoplifting arrests will ‘warn’ others
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