This morning, at approximately 07h41, Marshall Security’s Emergency Dispatch Centre received a report of a suspicious male on the corner of Balgownie and Graham Place in Durban North, near the park. The suspect was reportedly seen removing pipes from the bushes.
Marshall Security Armed Response Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene with a clear description of the suspect in hand.
Upon arrival, our officers spotted a male matching the description and questioned him about a bag and pipes he was carrying. The suspect denied knowing anything about the items and walked away empty-handed.
A short while later, officers saw the same suspect again — this time walking along Swapo Road carrying a brown bag containing two meters of piping and a copper tap. Our officers stopped him once more and questioned him about the items. The suspect could not provide a reasonable explanation for where he had obtained them and was immediately apprehended.
The suspect was handed over to Durban North SAPS for further processing and investigation.
At this stage, it is unknown where the piping and copper tap were stolen from. We urge members of the public who may have fallen victim to any copper theft to report the matter to SAPS.
Copper pipe theft remains one of the top reported crimes reported to Marshall Security. We strongly urge the community to remain vigilant and take proactive security measures to avoid becoming victims of this increasingly common crime.
