PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Three suspects were arrested on Friday 22 August after a shoplifting spree in Plettenberg Bay.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies confirmed that the arrest took place on the N2 around 17:20, after a vehicle was intercepted by police and local security just outside Plettenberg Bay.
"Reports available indicate that police and local security officials responded to information on shoplifting and the vehicle was pulled over just outside Plettenberg Bay. A search of the vehicle ensued, leading to the confiscation of presumably stolen property. The driver and his passengers were arrested for their possession thereof. The driver (50) was also arrested on a charge of drunken driving," said Spies.
According to Spies, the suspects - aged 33, 37, and 50 - were taken into custody for shoplifting, possession of suspected stolen property, and driving under the influence.
These arrests followed several reports of co-ordinated thefts at local stores earlier that day.
One such incident occurred at Indoblu in Checkers Mall, where three women and a man allegedly entered the store and stole several items, as captured on CCTV footage.
As they fled, the women reportedly escaped in a silver-grey Nissan Micra (KLM 879 EC), abandoning the male suspect in the parking area. A quick-acting employee pursued the man and detained him with help from mall security. The suspect waited inside the store for police to arrive. However, it is alleged that the police did not respond until 16:00, despite being contacted at 12:46.
Upon their arrival, officers reportedly stated that the man could not be charged because no stolen goods were found in his possession.
CCTV footage of two females also suspected to be involved in the shop-lifting incident at Indoblu.
The suspect then left with the police officers, reportedly to the Plettenberg Bay Police Station. It is not yet known whether the suspect was charged or released.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court once formally charged.
Investigations are ongoing to confirm the link between the arrested individuals and the earlier theft at Indoblu, as well as any potential involvement in other reported incidents in the area.
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