A Toyota Fortuner, taken during a Salt Rock house robbery on Monday, was recovered in Umlazi.
Image: Marshall Security
The importance of community crime watch networks and co-ordination with police and private security was on full display when a Toyota Fortuner, which was taken during a house robbery in Salt Rock, north of Durban, on Monday was recovered shortly after the incident in Umlazi.
Private security company Marshall Security said in a statement that the swift response demonstrated the importance of rapid coordination between community networks, tracking services, and response teams.
The security company said that at approximately 5.15am on Monday morning, multiple alerts were circulated on various WhatsApp Crime Alert groups reporting a house robbery that had occurred at a property in Salt Rock.
“Marshall Security Armed Response Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene together with members the Special Operations Team. Upon arriving first on scene, it was reported that the homeowner had just stepped out their residence and upon returning was confronted by two unknown male suspects, both armed. During the confrontation the homeowner's hands were restrained and mouth gagged to prevent her from calling for help.
“Ten minutes later the homeowner managed to free herself and call for assistance. By that time, the suspects had damaged and forced the property gate and fled with the homeowner's vehicle.”
Marshall Security said details of the stolen vehicle, a white Toyota Fortuner was circulated to all teams to be on a look out.
“Shortly after members of Marshall Security Special Operations Team were activated by Netstar Tracking to assist with locating the stolen vehicle. Acting instantly on the information received, members proceeded to the last known location in the Umlazi area.
“Upon arrival, together with the assistance of Netstar ground team, Umlazi SAPS and Umhlali SAPS the stolen Toyota Fortuner was located abandoned. No suspects were found in the immediate vicinity.”
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY