For the past few weeks, Mi7 has received numerous reports of a gang of burglars targeting homes across Pietermaritzburg, identifiable by their getaway vehicle, a Silver VW Polo.
The gang has allegedly been linked to several cases all with the same modus operandi: pull up to the driveway, derail the gate, work through security gates or burglar bars, and enter the home. Their targets are safes and jewellery. They're in and out in under five minutes.
On Friday last week, there was finally a breakthrough. Due to a vigilant community member who spotted the vehicle in the Hayfields area and was able to provide its number plates, Mi7 teams had enough information to load these details onto the Mi7 Surveillance Net. The Mi7
Surveillance Net is a network of surveillance cameras equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition software and positioned across 150 location, effectively casting a digital net over the region.
Once the details were loaded, there was almost an immediate hit. The system flagged the vehicle still in the Hayfields area. Mi7 Control Room Operators notified Strategic Threat Response Unit members on the ground, who had already teamed up with police in search of the vehicle.
Once the vehicle was spotted, the suspects took off. A high-speed chase ensued, spanning all the way from Hayfields, through busy city streets, and into Dambuza. There, the suspects collided into a set of parked vehicles, causing the pile up in which the pursuing police vehicle was also involved.
Still, they managed to drive off, and dumped the vehicle nearby before fleeing on foot. Unfortunately, efforts to track them down were unsuccessful.
Inside the vehicle, there was a cache of housebreaking implements, and upon further investigation, it was found that the vehicle itself was stolen from the premises of a Mi7 client recently.
Investigations have since intensified in the search of the suspects, with Mi7 dedicating more resources towards bringing them to justice. While there was no arrests on the day, the bravery of police officers and the combined efforts of all teams involved in the chase warrants commendation.
0800 647 911
Your Trust, Our Protection