Beagle Watch Armed Response busts major vehicle theft and crime syndicate

On Saturday night, leading private security company Beagle Watch Armed Response responded to a report of a Toyota Hilux that had been stolen in Linden. Their investigation, together with the SAPS, led to the discovery of a significant vehicle theft and crime operation. Here is what transpired…

What happened

Blue Toyota Hilux stolen in Linden
On Saturday night, a Toyota Hilux was reported stolen in Linden.

Vehicle tracking system tampered with
The vehicle tracking company had earlier flagged possible tampering with the vehicle’s tracking system, and the system was presumably removed from the vehicle.

The daughter’s phone was in the vehicle
The phone was in the vehicle when it was stolen and the location tracking was on, showing a specific location in Soweto.

The initial search leads nowhere
Various security companies responded and the search began for the stolen Hilux in the vicinity of the phone’s location Soweto, but with no success.

Beagle and SAPS return
Leon van Zyl of Beagle Watch’s Dedicated Crime Prevention Unit obtained the co-ordinates of the vehicle’s tracking device and, together with members of the Orlando SAPS, went back to search for the vehicle.

LPR tracking aids in finding suspects’ vehicle
With the help of Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) tracking, the team could determine the suspects’ vehicle was a silver Renault Duster. When the team arrived at the location of the phone’s tracking device, they located the silver Renault Duster that was parked in an open parking area. It was positively identified as the correct vehicle.

Investigations also revealed that the same vehicle had been seen travelling together with the stolen Hilux in various locations.

While the vehicle’s driver and passengers were not located, information was gathered of the owner of the Renault’s place of residence.

What was found in the silver Renault

• Multiple custom tools used to force open vehicles (spanners and screwdrivers
• Multiple tracking devices
• Computer boxes
• Gloves and masks
• Sets of men’s clothing

What was found in the suspects’ flat
Leon then asked SAPS to accompany him to raid the suspects’ flat and there a major crime operation was uncovered.

• 33 computer ECU boxes for Mercedes-Benz, BMW Audi, Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and VW.
• Firearms (Glock 19) all numbers filed off with
• 1 dummy pistol.
• Ammunition: 50 rounds of 9mm live rounds
• Over 100 high-end designer sunglasses.
• Different Licence plates – which can be linked to various criminal cases that the Silver Renault vehicle can be linked to
• Lonsdor Key programmer ECU and Key coding machine
• ID books and passports ladies and men.
• Sets of keys from various vehicles and houses.
• Laptops
• GPS – TomTom and Garmin navigation systems
• Crowbars, pick axes and other tools commonly used for housebreakings

“While the stolen Hilux and the daughter’s phone have not been recovered as yet, it is a significant breakthrough into a major crime operation,” says Leon van Zyl.

“The investigation continues and Beagle Watch will assist SAPS to help bring the perpetrators to book.”

Van Zyl has also called for victims to come forward if any cases were reported linked to the number plates that were found.

About Beagle Watch Armed Response
Beagle Watch Armed Response is a leading private security company in Johannesburg, with a proud history spanning close on 20 years. It is based in Fairland, Johannesburg, and has an extensive footprint across Johannesburg. It is wholly-owned by Prosegur.

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Author: Lara Theron from The Hothouse Communications on behalf of Beagle Watch Armed Response.