On Friday, 8 August 2025, at approximately 12h00, an Umhlanga resident reported that their vehicle had been unlawfully accessed, resulting in the theft of a cellphone. The resident suspected the vehicle may have been unintentionally left unlocked.
Our Marshall Security Armed Response Officer was dispatched to assist who arrived on scene a short while later. CCTV footage from the property was immediately reviewed, revealing that earlier that morning, an individual had entered the premises, moved through various levels of the building, and accessed a vehicle in the parking area. The suspect removed an item before exiting the property.
Following a detailed investigation by our on-site security team, a photograph of the suspect was circulated, and our Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) was contacted for assistance. Our UIP security officer recognised the suspect from earlier in the day and reported the sighting.
By 16h35, our UIP Control Room confirmed the suspect had been located en route to a nearby shopping centre. Thanks to the swift and coordinated response between Marshall Security’s on-site team and our UIP, the suspect was successfully apprehended and taken in for questioning.
The suspect admitted to leaving the stolen cellphone at a local restaurant as collateral for a meal, claiming he intended to return with payment. Officers immediately proceeded to the location, recovered the cellphone, and returned it to the resident.
At 18h30, local law enforcement arrived on the scene to take statements and took the suspect into custody on a charge of theft. The resident has confirmed that a formal case will be opened.
This incident demonstrates how rapid investigation, technology, and strong partnerships between security providers can bring swift justice and why reporting suspicious activity immediately makes all the difference.
