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Patrolling security service members became suspicious when they spotted a piece of copper peeking out of a man’s backpack in Bishopscourt on Tuesday 26 March.
This led to Claremont police being alerted and a swift response ensued, followed by the arrest of a suspect.
According to reports, two armed response officers saw the suspect walking along Kirstenbosch Drive with a backpack around 20:00.
His demeanour raised the officers’ suspicion, explained Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity ADT.
“The officers stopped the person to question him. The backpack was searched and this led to the discovery of copper wire, USB sticks and several other items,” Hattingh continued.
She said the officers alerted the police and Claremont police soon arrived to take the suspect into custody on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.
Vispol Commander of Claremont Saps Lt Col Marnus Fourie confirmed the arrest, saying the 40-year-old suspect was charged and appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 March.
The docket is still in court awaiting a bail hearing outcome. The man is confirmed to be homeless. “Theft of electric cables is a serious concern as we had three incidents in the last week,” Fourie added.
Hattingh further appealed to residents to “always take note of suspicious behaviour in their suburb and to alert the police or their armed response company if they see anything that appears to be out of place.”
