Police and neighbourhood watch members working together have arrested three men believed to be part of a crowbar gang linked to burglaries in Melkbosstrand.
Table View police officers cordoned off part of the West Coast Road on Monday September 19 after a tip-off that a car used in two burglaries in Melkbosstrand and an attempted burglary in Philadelphia was bound for Table View.
The waiting officers pulled over a car fitting the description and ordered the three men inside to get out and lie on the ground.
“Inside the vehicle, officers discovered stolen items, which included two flat-screen televisions, jewellery, laptops and other valuable items. The suspects used a rental car, and placed false number plates on it,” said Table View police spokeswoman Captain Adriana Chandler.
“A crowbar, was used in the execution of the crime and was also discovered and handed in as evidence.
“The arrest was a joint team effort of various neighbourhood watches, security companies, the Licence Plate Recognition Rapid Response Team and SAPS.”
Melkbosstrand residents discussed the incident on the Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page.
Marlene Engelbrecht said: “That scary moment when you see your dad’s car parked in the middle of the road busy with whatever he was helping with again. People are unaware of how much the neighbourhood watch does and the risks they put themselves in to help the community.”
Wayne Crocker said: “The power of the community, if we all stood together like this daily, criminals would have no chance.”
Captain Chandler said police were investigating whether the three men, aged between 25 and 32, could be linked to other burglaries.
