A PRIVATE security officer has been praised for his quick response and vigilance which led to the arrest of a suspected thief. The suspect is now in police custody.
The Fidelity ADT monitoring centre recently received an alarm signal from a Nagpur Road home after the home owner spotted an intruder in her yard. Armed response officer (ARO) Sibusiso Mtolo was immediately dispatched and arrived at the Northdale property within minutes.
“All our AROs are equipped with in-vehicle tablet devices which enable them to receive auto dispatch signals as soon as a customer’s alarm is activated, enhancing response times,” said Fidelity ADT’s district manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Vaughan Pillay.
Upon arrival, Mtolo conducted a perimeter check and heard a neighbour shouting that the person was in their garden. The intruder began jumping over walls in an attempt to flee, with Mtolo in quick pursuit. The intruder jumped back into the customer’s yard and Mtolo found him hiding. He was apprehended and handed over for arrest to members of the Mountain Rise South African Police Service (Saps). The man was searched and a knife that he was carrying was handed over to the police.
“ I encourage residents to conduct regular security assessments in order to deal with any vulnerable or unprotected areas to deter opportunistic criminals,” said Pillay. He urged residents to remain vigilant at all times. “Should you come across a suspect on your property, remain calm and contact your security service provider or the Saps. Never confront them or attempt to capture the suspects because they may be armed and dangerous.”
— Supplied.
