Last night, at approximately 20h08, a non-Marshall Security client located on Lilian Ngoyi Road, Morningside, reported that their business premises had been broken into. The exact time of the initial break-in was unknown, with evidence later suggesting that the property had been targeted over several days.
Marshall Security Armed Response Officers and Durban Central SAPS were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, our Armed Response Officers, together with Durban Central SAPS, made contact with the site manager, who explained that he had come to the premises to collect an item and discovered signs of forced entry.
Durban Central SAPS and Marshall Security Armed Response Officers began conducting a sweep of the premises. During this process, a Marshall Security Armed Response Officer spotted a suspect hiding beneath the reception desk. The suspect was immediately apprehended and placed under arrest with the assistance of SAPS.
Further inspection revealed that the rear gate on Yule Lane, providing access to the yard, had been forcibly opened.
Additional damage was discovered at an outbuilding belonging to a relative, which had also been forced open. Items stolen from this structure included a television, furniture, and toilet and shower fittings.
The suspects then forced entry into the office area, damaging the rear door and gate. Stolen items included televisions, CCTV systems, and office equipment. An air-conditioning unit was stripped, and copper piping was ripped from the rear wall of the building, indicating extensive damage and theft.
The suspect was transported to Durban Central SAPS for further investigation and processing.
This Morningside business break-in arrest serves as a critical reminder of the increased risk of crime during festive periods, particularly at properties without active security measures in place. Prolonged vacancies, reduced staffing, and delayed response times create opportunities for repeat offences and significant losses.
Marshall Security urges businesses and property owners to ensure that relevant security measures are in place, especially during high-risk periods, to prevent crime escalation and avoid unnecessary losses.
