The local South African Police Service (SAPS) recently took custody of a suspected thief thanks to the effective teamwork between a Fidelity ADT guard, armed response officer and the Community Control Room (CCR).
The CCR was established by Fidelity ADT a few years ago and has since become a platform by which community security entities can share important information such as reporting incidents, emergencies, suspicious behaviour etc. The CCR is also linked to several smart technology community security cameras which enable them to track and flag stolen or wanted vehicles. The operators in the CCR monitor these cameras and disseminate relevant information to multiple crime fighting community WhatsApp groups involving Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums across Durban.
“The CCR has shown great success over the past few years and again proved to be instrumental in an arrest made in Glenwood recently. However what makes this arrest particularly special is that three facets of our security measures were involved. From the CCR to the guard on the ground to the officer arriving to make the apprehension,” says Fidelity ADT’s district manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Vaughan Pillay.
In the afternoon of the 11th of November, the CCR notified all Fidelity ADT units operating in the Glenwood area of a suspect who was spotted trying to cut light pole cables. This information was received by a Fidelity ADT foot patrol guard operating in the area who soon spotted the suspect and immediately notified CCR operators.
Armed Response Officer, Siyabonga Hlatshwayo, responded straight away and patrolled the area looking for a suspect who matched the description provided. Whilst staying in constant communication with the CCR and the foot patrol guard he soon found the suspect and apprehended him accordingly.
All role players within the community were informed of the arrest through the CCR and the suspect was handed over for arrest to the local SAPS.
“We are extremely proud of all members involved and I would like to commend them on the work that they have done within our communities. From building relationships with the various stakeholders to sharing valuable information amongst each other. The synergy between them can only grow from strength to strength and we look forward to many more successful arrests as a result of their collaboration,” concluded Pillay.
