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

On Friday 14th May the Fidelity ADT Security Control Room received an alarm activation from a New Germany home and immediately dispatched Armed Response Officer (ARO), Aviwe Mphamba, who arrived at the Berkshire Drive 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,” says Fidelity ADT’s District Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Vaughan Pillay.

Upon arrival, ARO Mphamba noticed an unknown man at the gate, doing something to the gate motor. He immediately questioned the individual who claimed to live at the premises and said that he was fixing the gate motor. Officer Mphamba contacted the home owner who informed him that she did not know this man and that he most definitely did not live on her property.  The suspect was apprehend and handed over for arrest to members of the local SAPS.

“We commend officer Mphamba for his swift response and bravery. I encourage home owners 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.