A HIJACKED tractor loader backhoe (TLB) was recovered after it was hijacked in Illovo, following a joint operation by Blue Security’s Tactical Unit, a vehicle tracking company and the Lamontville police on May 13.

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The construction vehicle, also known as a tractor excavator or backhoe loader, was recently hijacked along Road the R603 in Illovo. According to Idan Smollan, Blue Security community manager, the suspects involved either jammed or deactivated the vehicle’s tracking system.

“A Blue Security tactical officer conducting routine patrols in Mobeni Heights, observed a TLB emerging from a bushy area and heading toward Lamontville. Suspicious, the officer discreetly followed the vehicle and captured photographic evidence for verification. Details were thereafter shared with response teams and the vehicle tracking company, which activated additional resources. A search operation was launched across Lamontville by Blue Security, vehicle tracking operatives, and police members,” said Smollan.

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The hijacked TLB was discovered parked in a residential yard approximately 100m from the Lamontville police station. Blue Security’s CCTV monitoring team provided critical footage that assisted in identifying a possible suspect and the suspect’s vehicle.

“This operation is a clear demonstration of how public-private partnerships can lead to meaningful results. We remain committed to supporting police and other roleplayers in the fight against crime,” Smollan added.

The recovered TLB was handed over to Lamontville SAPS for further investigation.

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