THREE suspects were arrested recently after they allegedly tried to steal steel rods from a bridge in Fairview.
Little did the suspects know that they were trying to commit this act in full view of a private security officer.
Fidelity ADT armed response officer Morne Britz was busy taking a tea break outside the company’s offices in Fairview when he looked towards the William Moffat Expressway bridge and saw what appeared to be a crime being committed.
“Officer Britz quickly realised that he was witnessing the suspects trying to steal metal rods from the bridge. Fortunately he was in a position where he could act accordingly and respond,” said Fidelity ADT Port Elizabeth branch manager Ryan Britz.
“While (Morne) Britz was responding, he also notified the Community Information Centre (CIC) agent, Samantha Bosch, who was able to notify the SAPS accordingly.
“The CIC acts as a central contact for any type of emergency within the Port Elizabeth footprint and serves as a connection point for various authorities on their network of information-sharing.”
The fact that this alleged incident took place almost right outside the offices of a private security company, said Ryan Britz, shows that criminals will exploit any opportunity.
Morne Britz apprehended two of the suspects when he arrived at the scene of the crime, while the third was later pulled over by the SAPS following the CIC’s description of the suspect’s vehicle.
“Our officers are in regular contact with the CIC agents and receive critical information from them on a daily basis. There is a strong element of trust between the personnel, and no doubt (Morne) Britz knew that he had to contact Bosch prior to moving into a potentially dangerous situation. The agent then contacted other local authorities, which ultimately ensured that the SAPS could arrest the remaining suspect,” concluded Ryan Britz.
