Detectives pounce on unsuspecting burglars
TWO men on a housebreaking spree were brought to justice thanks to the vigilance of a Brighton Beach SAP detective branch duo.
Police officers determined that a series of housebreakings were occurring with the same modus operandi in October and November. According to communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, houses with no dogs or security systems were targeted, especially those with side windows and front doors that were not clearly visible from the road or concealed by high walls or bushes. These homes also tended to have no domestic workers or gardeners on duty at the time of the housebreaking.
It was apparent to police the culprits were watching their targets prior to breaking in. Witnesses reported the crimes might have been committed by two or three men, who arrive and leave the area by taxi, with one young man carrying a back pack.
On Friday, 8 November Brighton Beach detective head, Lieutenant Colonel Jayson McGray and Warrant Officer Marius van der Looy monitored taxi routes, pick-up and drop off points and bus stops.
At a bus stop on Lighthouse Road they observed a man carrying a 32-inch flat screen TV, waking with a youngster carrying a back pack matching the description they had received. W/O van der Looy recognised the older man as someone he had previously dealt with in connection with housebreakings, for which he was imprisoned for eight years.
A search of the back pack revealed housebreaking implements, including three pairs of woollen gloves, a bolt cutter, screwdriver and wheel spanner. They confessed the TV had been stolen from a home in Garmouth Avenue and took the detectives to the house. The adult admitted to breaking into eight houses since the start of October and to selling the stolen items to various second hand goods dealers within the Durban Central and surrounding areas.
Harry Boucher (42) appeared in Durban Court 10 on Monday, 11 November on charges of housebreaking and theft, being in possession of suspected stolen property and being in possession of housebreaking implements. He entered a guilty plea and a sentencing date is yet to be set. The youth will be dealt with by social work services as per normal court proceedings.
Brighton Beach SAP management commends Lt Col Jayson McGray and W/O Marius van der Looy for their vigilance, leading to culprits’ arrests.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
