Security companies and community policing forums (CPFs) continue to thwart vehicle-related crime in the east of Pretoria after recent successes.
Law enforcement stakeholders held operations in an effort to bring down vehicle-related crimes.
Recent takedowns led to multiple arrests of suspects involved in vehicle-related crimes.
Garsfontein CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said a co-ordinated effort successfully apprehended multiple suspects involved in a series of vehicle thefts in Pretoria east.
On November 8, a joint crime prevention operation led to the arrest of a suspect found in possession of a stolen vehicle and an unlicensed firearm.
The operation was focused on the Boschkop and Silverton police precincts, patrolling hotspots throughout the areas.
During the operation, intelligence was received regarding a vehicle potentially linked to serious crimes travelling through the area.
Echo 1 private security company spotted the vehicle and gave chase.
According to a statement by the joint operation command, the suspects lost control and abandoned the vehicle, fleeing into an informal settlement.
Echo 1 secured the scene and waited for backup.
Upon arrival, the backup team assisted and called in air support. Although some of the suspects evaded capture, the air support helped to catch one suspect.
Further investigations revealed the vehicle was stolen in Villieria.
“Additionally, a firearm with filed-off serial numbers was recovered. Echo 1 disrupted the suspects’ plans to commit further crimes,” read the statement.
The operation continued, resulting in the detention of three suspects for various crimes.
In a separate incident on November 8, The Old East Safety Forum received a report of a wanted vehicle in the Waterkloof area.
Responders searched the surrounding area until they spotted the vehicle, a grey Toyota Corolla, with two suspects entering the Pretoria Country Club and stopping in the parking lot.
The forum said the car was boxed in, and backup was requested.
“Law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene and searched the vehicle. Inside the car, multiple car break-in tools, a jammer, blue lights, a police badge, and an extra set of number plates were found concealed.”
Two suspects were arrested, and the vehicle was impounded.
The forum said the police will conduct further investigations to link the vehicle to other cases in the Pretoria area.
Ruyter said on November 6 reports were received of a red VW Polo wanted in connection with several motor vehicle thefts, which was spotted in the Silver Lakes area.
“Several units, including private security, various CPFs and law enforcement, immediately initiated a search in the surrounding area.”
He said the vehicle was eventually located entering a shopping centre on Lynnwood Road, prompting additional units to converge on the location.
“At the same time, another wanted vehicle, linked to vehicle thefts in the East Rand, was also spotted approaching a nearby estate.”
Ruyter said in a well co-ordinated effort, that the units were split to pursue both vehicles.
“The red VW Polo was successfully boxed in by responding teams, resulting in the detention of the suspects involved in a series of criminal incidents in the greater Pretoria east,” Ruyter said.
He added that the suspects were arrested and handed over to Sunnyside police.
Ruyter said in addition, the second vehicle was blocked, and one suspect was arrested and connected to thefts linked to OR Tambo International Airport.
“The suspects’ involvement in multiple criminal activities was confirmed, and the investigations will continue as the cases are linked to other ongoing investigations.”
He sent his gratitude to all members involved.
“A special thanks and congratulations are extended to all units involved for their excellent teamwork and dedication, which led to the successful apprehension of the suspects.”
These successes come after the release of the first quarter crime statistics for 2024/25 in August indicating that motor vehicle- related crime was a serious issue plaguing areas in the east of Pretoria.
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