Would-be robbers try to rob undercover cops in Lyttelton
To the suspects’ surprise they were met with the appropriate defensive measures from our police members.
Three would-be robbers got a nasty surprise when they tried to rob undercover police officers in Lyttelton this week.
“After taking note of the increase in pedestrian robberies in the Lyttelton CBD area, we established a task team to put a stop to the robbers,” police spokesperson Dave Miller told Rekord.
“The team comprised of members of police and private security company personnel. The task team analysed the suspects’ modus operandi and formulated a plan to catch them.”
Miller said on Thursday, the team “executed the plan to perfection”.
He said undercover police members, who were on foot crossing the bridge in Lenchen Avenue, were approached by the suspects.
“The suspects, who were armed with knives and a two pound hammer, then tried to rob them.
“To the suspects’ surprise they were met with the appropriate defensive measures from our police officers,” Miller said.
They managed to immediately arrest two of the suspects, Miller said, while the other suspect ran into the river towards Supersport Park.
“Backup was requested. Members of the CPF and various security companies responded in numbers.
“The area was cordoned off and as a result of the amazing team work and co-ordination we were able to locate the remaining suspect.”
Miller said the suspects will face charges of attempted armed robbery and possession of dangerous weapons. They will appear in court on Monday.
“We will be investigating the possibility of linking these suspects to other robberies that have taken place over the past few weeks.”
In a further success for Lyttelton police, a smash-and-grab suspect was arrested on Wednesday.
Miller said the arrest came after a number of smash-and-grab incidents at the intersection of West Avenue and Hendrick Verwoerd Road.
“Around 19:40, police spotted the suspect at the hotspot location trying to position himself in among traffic to execute a smash-and-grab.
Also read: Pedestrian robberies on the rise in Centurion
“Thanks to the quick reaction and speed of the officers they were able to apprehend the suspect before he could act.
“We are investigating the possibility of linking the suspect to various cases of smash-and-grab at the same hotspot.”
Miller said the suspect would appear in court within 48 hours on a charge of possession of car breaking implements.
“We would also like to thank the various security companies that also assisted the members when the arrest was made,” Miller said.
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