The Berea South African Police Service (SAPS) recently took custody of a suspected thief thanks to the rapid response of a local security company.

Just after 5:00am on the 26th January, the Fidelity ADT Security Monitoring Centre received an alarm activation from a Morningside home and immediately dispatched Armed Response Officer (ARO), Ndumiseni Blose, who arrived at the Clarence Road property within minutes.

“All our ARO’s are equipped with in-vehicle tablet devices which enable them to receive auto dispatch signals as soon as a customer’s alarm is activated, enhancing response times. In any emergency situation we are all aware that time is of the essence and we therefore ensure that all our responses are done in an effective and efficient manner. In addition, and in line with regulations to control and prevent the spread of the coronavirus we have provided all our staff with the necessary PPE equipment to ensure the safety of both our employees and customers,” says Fidelity ADT’s district manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Vaughan Pillay.

Upon arrival, ARO Blose met with the homeowner who informed him that a suspect had opened his garage and stolen a bicycle. Officer Blose conducted a thorough search on the property before leaving to search the nearby area. He soon spotted a suspect, riding a bicycle fitting the description provided by the homeowner and successfully apprehended the suspect.

The suspect was handed over for arrest to members of the local SAPS and the stolen bicycle was returned to the owner.

“We commend officer Bhukosini for his swift response and bravery. All our officers undergo regular training and are skilled in identifying anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. I encourage residents to conduct regular security assessments in order to resolve any vulnerable or unprotected areas to deter opportunistic criminals. Security technologies such as CCTV, outdoor beams and roof passives are often used to proactively prevent crime,” Pillay concluded.