Plett crime fighters catch home invader

The quick thinking of a Plettenberg Bay residents and action by local crime fighters foiled a home invasion on Sunday night.

Police spokesman Lieutenant Marlene Pieterse said just after 8pm a 30-year-old suspect entered a home in Meeding Street on the town’s beach front.

He allegedly ordered the property owner to keep quiet, but the woman reacted quickly and threw a chair at the suspect which sent him fleeing.

The woman alerted the area’s neighbourhood watch members who subsequently contacted police and security companies in the area for assistance.

Otto Olivier of Plett Security and member of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) said the property had CCTV cameras installed and after reviewing the footage they knew exactly who they were looking for.

“After searching the area the suspect was found hiding in nearby bushes and arrested,” Olivier said.

Pieterse said because nothing had been stolen during the incident and police could not find any signs of forced entry, they could only open a case of trespassing.

“The suspect signed an admission of guilt and paid a R200 fine,” Pieterse said.

Bitou Ward 2 councillor Wayne Craig commended the swift action by local crime fighters and said that their dedication contributed to keeping Plett’s crime at low levels.