During the festive season, there is a general increase in trio crimes however through proactive measures, businesses and communities are warned to increase their security and to keep minimum cash on their premises.
High visibility of both police and security companies in hot spot areas resulted in the swift arrest of a 36 year old robbery suspect.
It is alleged that on Saturday, 16 December 2017 at about 16:30 , 4 males entered a supermarket in 7th Avenue in Newton Park. One firearm was produced and the suspects took a small amount of cash and a Nokia cell phone belonging to a cashier. The panic button was activated .
At the same time a security vehicle had coincidentally stopped at the shop and the driver witnessed the robbery from the outside. He then drove off for backup and stopped another security vehicle patrolling the area.
The suspects were seen running on foot and both vehicles gave chase.
One suspect was seen hiding something in the bush. Atlas security stopped and noticed that it was a firearm. With the suspect still in sight, the security officer chased after him and apprehended him. SAPS Mount Road crime prevention members arrived and the suspect was handed over to them. It was later established that the firearm was a gas pistol (resembling a 9mm firearm).
The suspect, who is from New Brighton will appear in court on Monday 18 December 2017, on a charge of business robbery.
The excellent working relationship with the different security companies and police will ensure that we have a safer festive season and it is clear that we can achieve more if we join hands together in the fight against crime.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
