Benoni neighbourhood watch helps foil suspected thieves’ plans

AfriForum’s Benoni neighbourhood watch has, over the past few weeks, assisted law enforcement and private security services in stopping suspected car thieves in their tracks. The neighbourhood watch also helped apprehend suspects who have allegedly been linked to several burglaries in the area over the years. The neighbourhood watch and its extensive camera system, which is monitored from a central control room, have served as an important force multiplier in the ongoing fight against crime on the East Rand.

Private security services, including AfriForum’s Benoni neighbourhood watch, were recently called to a motor show in Benoni, where they cracked down on suspected car thieves who were attempting to steal visitors’ vehicles. Thanks to the intervention of the relevant security services, including LGEP, NoJack Vehicle Tracking and AfriForum’s Benoni neighbourhood watch, none of the vehicles were stolen.

The suspects fled, but left one of their vehicles behind. Several sets of false number plates were found inside, as well as other equipment believed to be used for vehicle theft. The South African Police Service (SAPS) seized the equipment and is investigating the matter further.

AfriForum’s Benoni neighbourhood watch also provided much-needed assistance in the arrest of two suspects who had allegedly attempted to break into two houses in Atlasville earlier that same day.

According to the local Community Policing Forum (CPF), the burglaries took place minutes apart. After the residents of one of these houses raised the alarm, private security services were called and asked to be on the lookout for a white Toyota. The registration number of the vehicle in question was passed on to AfriForum’s East Rand control room, and operators used two-way radios and other communication channels to keep AfriForum neighbourhood watch members, as well as private security, continuously informed of the vehicle’s movements.

CPF members spotted the vehicle and gave chase, but the suspects evaded them on the N12. Shortly afterwards, the private security company LGEP spotted the vehicle on Atlas Road and managed to pull the suspects off the road. The members detained the suspects while AfriForum’s Benoni neighbourhood watch, as well as other security services and law enforcement officers, were called to the scene.

Several items commonly used to carry out burglaries, including gloves, as well as a false set of vehicle licence plates, were found in the suspects’ vehicle. The suspects and the contents of their vehicle were handed over to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, which is investigating the matter further.

“These successes once again highlight the value of cooperation and rapid communication between role players in the security industry. When communities stand together, crime can be combated effectively,” says Archie Mouyis, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Benoni branch.

AfriForum calls on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities immediately and become involved in local safety structures. Click here for more information.