Police bust suspected car theft ring
"The suspects face charges of possession of car-breaking equipment and a signal-jamming device," says Lyttelton police spokesperson Johan van Dyk.
Lyttelton police and E2 Security arrested three members of a suspected car theft syndicate in Centurion on Tuesday, April 23.
Spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said around 12:30 a Lyttelton undercover unit was surveilling a car theft hotspot when they noticed three people acting suspiciously.
Van Dyk said that the eagle-eyed unit members followed their red Kia sedan before intercepting it.
He said police found electronic equipment used in the theft of motor vehicles inside the Kia.
“The suspects were seen driving in and out of several shopping centres without stopping or getting out of the car, which raised suspicions among the members,” he said.
Van Dyk said as the suspects headed towards Centurion CBD and the members of the undercover unit called for backup to stop the vehicle and question the suspects.
He said the officers activated their blue lights and sirens to indicate to the occupants that the vehicle should be pulled over.
“The officers proceeded to interrogate the suspects, and observed electronic equipment in the vehicle,” he said.
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Van Dyk said backup – other police units and members of local security companies – quickly arrived on the scene.
He added that the suspicions of the officers were confirmed when the electronic equipment in the vehicle turned out to be an 18-channel signal-jamming device and an electronic key reader.
Van Dyk said the devices are commonly used by car thieves to remotely obtain vehicle key information and gain unauthorised access to vehicles.
“The signal-jamming device is designed to interfere with any tracking unit that may be installed in a vehicle,” he said.
He said the suspects face charges of possession of car-breaking equipment and a signal-jamming device.
“The units involved in the operation include Lyttelton police, Lyttelton local criminal record centre, and E2 security partners,” he said.
He said an investigation to find out if the suspects are linked to other cases in Lyttelton and the surrounding area will commence.
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