Operation Success: Blue Teams up to track down stolen vehicle

One stolen vehicle was successfully tracked and recovered by Blue Security in a combined operation with a tracking company in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“The recovery followed an armed robbery which took place at a Westville business premises,” said Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios. “It is alleged that a gang of six armed men had entered the property earlier, overpowered the security guards and staff on the premises at gunpoint and tied them up,” Mathios said.
“Three containers onsite were then broken into and 25 truck tyres removed. Four of the staff members also had their cellphones stolen,” Mathios said. “Contact was made with the tracking company when the alert was received about the missing vehicle and the coordinates were shared,” Mathios said.
“A successful combined operation between the tracking company and Blue Security resulted in the discovery of the missing vehicle near the Chesterville quarry. The stolen truck tyres are still unaccounted for,” Mathios said. “The recovered vehicle was taken to Cato Manor SAPS for further processing and a thorough on-property check was carried out at the crime scene. No shots were fired during the armed hold-up and no injuries were sustained. A case of armed robbery has been opened,” Mathios said.
In a separate incident, two Toyota Quantums were reported stolen from a business premises in Mount Edgecombe on Sunday morning.
“Our reaction officer responded to the scene at around 7.30am on Sunday where it was revealed that the armed suspects had overpowered the guard on duty after damaging the gate to gain entry,” Mathios said. “A battery from another Quantum parked onsite was used to start one of the stolen vehicles before it was removed from the premises,” Mathios said. Members of Mount Edgecombe SAPS attended the scene and a case has been opened.
In a third incident a number of domestic appliances were stolen from a business premises in Pinetown on Tuesday morning.
“Our reaction officer was responding to a call-out in Caversham Road when he spotted a suspect running away,” Mathios said. “The man dropped a number of appliances while evading escape but a microwave oven is still missing. Items recovered included two kettles, a vacuum cleaner and extension cord,” Mathios said.
“It appears that entry to the premises was gained through the roof at the back of the building. No signal had been received as the alarm system wires has been cut and damaged,” Mathios said.  Pinetown SAPS attended the scene.
Business owners are advised to ensure that their security systems are operational during lockdown. “Criminal elements could possibly take advantage of unattended offices and business premises during this time. It is imperative that perimeters are secured and alarmed and linked to a reliable security provider who can respond swiftly on activation. Well-lit premises can also be a deterrent to opportunistic criminals,” Mathios said.