The 35 year old Indian male pictured was apprehended by members of the public after he stole copper pipes and was attempting to break into a home on Tensing Way in Everest Heights, Verulam on Monday.
Reaction Unit South Africa received a call from a resident reporting the house break-in in progress. Upon arrival the suspect had been apprehended by a member of the community after a foot chase. It was established that the Redcliffe resident had gained entry onto a property and stole copper pipes. He then attempted to break into the home when he was spotted by residents in the area who pursued and apprehended him. The suspect was injured after he resisted arrest.
While being interviewed by Reaction Officers the suspect admitted to being a heroin addict. He claimed that the copper pipes were to be sold as scrap metal and the proceeds of the sale were going to be used to purchase his drug of choice.
The suspect had to be released after residents in the area refused to register a criminal case against him.
Copper thieves have cost homeowners thousands of Rands in plumbing repairs & replacement cost for the theft of a few meters of copper pipes.