A suspected petrol thief believed to be behind a string of fuel drive-offs in Cape Town was arrested in Plumstead after police and private security officers tracked his movements using number plate recognition technology.
The 36-year-old man was taken into custody on Monday evening during a joint operation involving Diep River police and Secu Watch Protection.
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Police had been monitoring a black Ford Fiesta after the driver allegedly filled up with R800 worth of petrol at a service station in Gatesville, Athlone, on Sunday and drove away without paying.
The suspect is also linked to a similar incident at Engen Simon’s Auto Centre last week, where he allegedly put R500 worth of fuel into the vehicle before leaving the forecourt without settling the bill.
ANPR Cameras Help Track Alleged Plumstead Petrol Thief
According to a member of Secu Watch Protection, the suspect was well known in the area and was identified after his vehicle triggered one of the company’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The member told reporters, “He triggered one of our ANPR cameras, which is how we found out he is a regular in the area.
“We followed up with the petrol stations to get case numbers for him, as we knew who he was due to him being a regular in the area.
“When he triggered those cameras, we already had SAPS standing by, waiting for his arrival. When we caught him, he begged and pleaded that we let him go and that he won’t do it again…”
Tik And Mandrax Allegedly Discovered In Vehicle
The security officer added, “But we found drugs in his vehicle.”
The suspect allegedly had Tik and Mandrax in the car when he was arrested.
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed that Diep River police arrested the man for possession of drugs.
She said the case is now before the court, and the suspect has already made his first court appearance.
