PORT ELIZABETH - POLICE ARREST THIEF AFTER PERRIDGEVALE ROBBERY OF MORE THAN R250000 WORTH OF GOODS

Teamwork between the various units is crucial in the combatting of crime and speedy arrest of suspects. Immediate response by members of PE Flying Squad, K9 Unit and SAPS Mount Road members resulted in the recovery of expensive antiques and the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect.

It is alleged that on 18 February 2019, an antiquarian went to an antique shop in Todd Street, North End looking for his antiques which was stolen from his house in Perridgevale in November 2018. While there, he recognised some of the items and was informed that a person brought the antiques earlier and was going back on 19 February 2019 with more items as well as collect his money. The complainant (60) then contacted the police.

Observation duties were held by the PE Flying Squad and K9 unit members and at about 13:00 today, the suspect arrived with more items. He was apprehended and expensive items such as a gold medal, gold soda bottle, crystals, cast iron bear clock, a silver tea pot, a Chinese tea pot and a mortar and pestle were seized. Some of the items were also recovered from another antique shop in Albany Road Port Elizabeth. The estimated value of the recovered items is R25 000.

It is alleged that the abovementioned artefacts were stolen when the complainant’s house was broken into on 23 November 2018. No one was at home when the suspect/s entered by breaking a window. At the time jewellery, foreign currency and the antique items with an estimated value of R250 000 was taken.

The antiquarian alleged that he travels around the world buying antiques and some of his possessions are priceless.

The suspect was detained on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property and is expected to appear in court soon.

Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile commended the members for their excellent investigation and arrest of the suspect. “We urge second hand and antique dealers to report suspicious persons bringing in expensive items for sale.  Antique dealers are well aware of the price of the artefacts and should contact police immediately when they are brought in by suspected dodgy sellers.  Buying suspected stolen property is an offence and punishable by law,” added Maj Gen Patekile.

via - SAPS