Swift Response Leads to Arrests Following Theft in Central – Suspects Linked to Multiple Cases

Atlas Security’s rapid response led to the successful apprehension of two suspects following a theft incident at a popular shopping complex on Cape Road, Central. The incident, which took place on Tuesday 28 January, saw two suspects attempting to flee after stealing items from the store.

Incident Details

At approximately 18:22, Atlas Security received a report from the client confirming that two suspects had stolen items and were still in the parking area. RIU Response Officers R01 (B08 & B148) and R02 (B20 & B81) were already patrolling Cape Road and, upon receiving the call, arrived on the scene within seconds.

One suspect entered the shop, picked up several items, and stood by the cigarette counter as if intending to pay. Instead, he walked out of the store without making a payment. A vigilant cashier immediately alerted the security officer at the door, who, along with store security, reviewed the CCTV footage to confirm the incident.

As the suspects attempted to flee in their vehicle, quick-thinking security guards closed the driveway gate. The stolen items suspect then abandoned the vehicle, jumped over the fencing, and fled down Roseberry Road into King George’s Road. However, security personnel managed to apprehend him in the backyard of the store's receiving area.

Meanwhile, the second suspect, the driver of the Silver Hyundai Venue, was intercepted and detained by RIU and security officers on the scene. Metro SAPS and Mount Road SAPS arrived to provide additional support.

Link to Another Theft Incident at Prominent Primary School

While handling the incident at the shopping complex in Central, Atlas Security Officer B97 was dispatched to a prominent primary school in Mount Croix following a report of theft.

At 19:49, school staff discovered that a suspect had entered through the driveway gate and accessed the principal’s office, which was left unlocked. The suspect stole a phone and cash before fleeing in the Silver Hyundai Venue. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, it was determined that the suspect was the same individual apprehended earlier at the shopping complex in Central.

Atlas Security quickly made contact with the principal, who identified her stolen phone at the Mount Road Police Station, where a case of theft was officially opened.

Connections to Previous Crimes in Uitenhage

During the investigation at the shopping complex in Central, an Atlas Security officer recalled reports of a similar vehicle being used in house break-ins in Uitenhage. Upon further checks, contact was made with Uitenhage SAPS, who confirmed that the suspects were wanted for multiple incidents, including house robbery and break-ins.

Linked Cases in Uitenhage

• Alwyn Street case – House Robbery
• Connaught case – House Break-in
• Tolbos case – House Breaking (Vehicle Spotted)

With the suspects now in police custody, SAPS will proceed with investigations into their involvement in other criminal activities across different locations.

Atlas Security: Committed to Community Safety

This arrest highlights the dedication and efficiency of Atlas Security’s response teams, working in collaboration with SAPS and community security personnel. Through swift action and teamwork, multiple crimes have been linked, and dangerous suspects removed from the streets of Nelson Mandela Bay.

If you see suspicious activity, report it immediately. Together, we make our communities safer.

#YourWorldSecureInOurHands