PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - In a bizarre series of events, including the discovery of a packet of biltong, an alleged car thief was arrested at the Plettenberg Bay home he allegedly stole the vehicle from.
Local crime prevention association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said they responded last weekend to a report from a concerned resident about a man struggling to start an orange Jeep Rubicon.
“We received reports that a man was seen struggling to get a vehicle started and then left the vehicle overnight at a local garage,” Olivier said.
The Plett rapid response and tactical unit responded and informed local police. “Detectives responded swiftly and upon investigation found that the vehicle had been stolen from the owner’s holiday home.”
When authorities went to the owner’s home, they found the alleged vehicle thief on the property and arrested him promptly.
Plettenberg Bay police spokesman Captain Marlene Pieterse said the vehicle owner's foreman informed police that he spotted the vehicle at the Engen garage in Plett. He found this strange as the owner is traveling abroad.
"Police were also informed of suspicious persons at the garage.The detectives followed up leads, tested the registration number and linked a suspect (with the theft) with fingerprints, DNA and eyewitnesses. A case of theft of a motor vehicle was registered at Plett police station. A preliminary investigation indicated that the Jeep had run out of petrol," Pieterse said.
She added the foreman went to the garage, where he noticed a yellow plastic container with biltong next to the vehicle. "He realised that the only person he gave biltong to, was a former employee, Deon Martin."
Martin appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on 19 August, and his case was postponed until 13 September for a formal bail application.
“Please be vigilant, stay alert and be crime wise. Please be aware, opportunists are always lurking. Always recheck your vehicle that the doors are secured when remote locking your vehicle, as scammers with remote blockers are active again," Olivier said.
Olivier said an example of this happened recently when a woman locked her door with her remote and while walking to a local pharmacy, caught a glimpse of a suspect opening the vehicle’s door. “The perpetrator fled with her cellphone and handbag. PBCPA members and the rapid response unit responded and started to chase down the suspect. In his haste to get away, he dropped the goods near Bossiesgif and disappeared in between the houses.”
Olivier also reminded residents to ensure all house windows and doors that do not have security bars, are closed and locked. “In other words, do not leave your front door open when you are at the swimming pool in the backyard. Ensure that electronic devices and other valuables are securely put away and are neither visible nor accessible through open windows or doors. Do not become a victim of opportunistic criminals.”
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