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

The Fidelity ADT Security Control Room recently received an alarm activation from a Pinetown business premises and immediately dispatched Armed Response Officers (ARO), Ntlakhanipho Ntuli and Siphamandla Mabida, who arrived at the Richmond 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,” says Fidelity ADT’s District Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Vaughan Pillay.

Upon arrival, the ARO’s noticed that the security gate had been broken and the door had been forced open. Not long after entering the premises, the officers spotted a suspect attempting to flee and gave chase. The suspect resisted and lashed out, cutting one of the officers with a small knife on his right forearm. Despite his efforts to get away, the suspect was successfully apprehended and handed over for arrest to members of the local SAPS. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had used a fire extinguisher to break copper pipes and valves off of the wall. The injured officer was transported to Crompton Hospital for medical treatment.

“We commend officers Ntuli and Mabida for their swift response and bravery. I encourage businesses 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.