Armed response and public safety officers have been kept busy over the past few weeks, with a number of incidents and arrests reported in and around Hermanus.
“Our own officers as well as the public safety officers at Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) were involved in incidents that led to the discovery of stolen property, several cases where suspects were found in possession of housebreaking implements, as well as the recovery of dangerous weapons and drugs when suspects were apprehended,” related Marius Boshoff, Hermanus branch manager for Fidelity ADT.
He said the most recent incident was on 13 January, when a motorboat was reported stolen in Onrus. A photo of the boat was shared on local social media platforms.
“One of our armed response officers was patrolling in Fisherhaven and alerted to something suspicious hidden in the bushes,” said Boshoff. “Our officer located the stolen boat hidden in bushes along the R43, and police were called to the scene to take control of the situation.”
A well-known suspect was arrested on 11 January. “The CCTV camera operator saw him hanging around the parking area of a local pub and alerted patrollers in the area,” Boshoff said. “They watched as the suspect appeared to try and steal items from a parked car, and HPP officers pursued the man and an alleged accomplice.”
Though they both managed to get away, the CCTV camera team later spotted their alleged “look-out” nearby, where the suspect was hiding, and he was detained and handed over to the police, says Boshoff.