PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay crime fighters' arsenal is growing with the latest addition of a vehicle to pursue suspects off the beaten track.

The Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) was recently sponsored a Toyota Land Cruiser to boost their efforts. This complements the organisation's recently acquired tools which include, among others, an armoured vehicle, a motorcycle, a rapid response as well as a dog unit.

Operations head Otto Olivier says responders have found it difficult to pursue suspects off-road and therefore needed a vehicle for the job.

The PBCPA is a combined effort by several Plettenberg Bay crime fighters including local police, municipal law enforcement, private security companies, neighbourhood watch groups and other volunteers, to prevent crime in the Bitou area.

Olivier says an Airport Road neighbourhood watch member heard about their need for an off-road vehicle and decided to donate an old Land Cruiser to assist.

"It is an old vehicle and needed quite a bit of work including fixing the clutch, gearbox, leaf springs and other issues," Olivier says.

He adds that local businesses came to the rescue, with Gary's Motor Spares sponsoring several parts, while Dunlop Zone Plettenberg Bay gave the vehicle a new set of tyres. Olivier said Erasmus Panelbeaters also made sure the vehicle looked the part.

"We are currently in the process of sorting out the final paperwork before we can put the Land Cruiser to use," he says, adding that he believes the vehicle would be utilised by the time the festive season arrives.

Olivier says the PBCPA does quite a bit of work in the town's surrounding bushes and that the vehicle is a very welcome addition.

The Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) was sponsored an off-road vehicle to assist in their crime-fighting efforts. The vehicle is an old Toyota Land Cruiser which underwent a facelift thanks to local businesses. Photos: Supplied

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