An attempted theft targeting AfriForum’s automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera equipment on Delmas Road was thwarted after private security companies and the organisation’s neighbourhood watch responded in time.

According to AfriForum spokesperson Maree van den Berg, the attempt occurred at about 20:00 on August 31, at the T-junction of Delmas Road and the M31.

Van den Berg said AfriForum’s larger Pretoria east neighbourhood watch was alerted to the incident and arrived within minutes.

“The suspect was attempting to damage a large 5m pole with ANPR cameras on, presumably to get to the solar battery and solar panel mounted on the pole,” he said.

The suspect allegedly managed to lower the pole to the ground shortly before the first AfriForum responders arrived, prompting the suspects to flee the scene.

Van den Berg said Forum Security’s control room actively monitors the camera poles and that the operator’s experience contributed to the rapid response.

“Minor damage was caused to the battery case, only two cameras were damaged and the solar panel was smashed,” she said.

Bull Security officers pursued and apprehended one suspect.

Van den Berg stated that AfriForum was grateful to the private security role-players who assisted and hoped the response could lead to stronger relationships with security companies operating in the area.

“The ANPR cameras are used to monitor vehicle number plates and can help identify suspicious vehicles travelling through the area,” he added.

The AfriForum spokesperson said the camera placement is particularly important because Delmas Road is a major thoroughfare through Pretoria.

Following the damage, AfriForum is considering relocating the equipment to a more secure position.

“We are in the process of redesigning the entire setup with the pole and cameras to ensure that our equipment will not easily be targeted,” said Van den Berg.

He added that no suspicious vehicles had been recorded by the system yet in connection with the incident.

In a statement, Bull Security said its control room was notified of a suspect tampering with an AfriForum camera on Delmas Road.

“Our units responded swiftly and, upon arrival, spotted the suspect attempting to flee the scene. A foot chase ensued, and our officers successfully apprehended the suspect.”

According to the private security company, the suspect was subsequently handed over to Lyttelton SAPS for further investigation.

Police did not respond at the time of publication.

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