Three brazen thieves who stole a bus stop for scrap metal are behind bars after they were busted by Law Enforcement officers on Wednesday.
The incident left police and crimefighters baffled as the trio were caught red-handed dragging the bus stop through Lotus River during the early hours.
Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, said officers were alerted to the theft shortly after 3am and immediately responded.
"On April 16 at approximately 3:30am, an alert member of the public reported that property was being vandalised and stolen," said Dyason.
"Law Enforcement officers responded and when they arrived at the location on old Strandfontein Road in the vicinity of Lotus River, they saw a bus shelter being dragged by three male suspects. They attempted to flee but were quickly caught.
"Upon investigation, it was discovered that the three suspects were in possession of housebreaking implements as well.
"They were arrested and taken to Grassy Park SAPS for charges of malicious damage to property and possession of house breaking implements."
Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Nicole Jacobus, said the incident is shocking.
"It is mind boggling that they can break down infrastructure like a bus stop or bus shelter used by our very own community make use of this during winter to keep them dry from the rain while waiting for a bus or taxi.
"It is really shocking that they would go so far in the sense of they break down the same stuff.
"We understand that everyone is on a skarrel (hustle) or on a hunt for finances but it is a concern when they breakdown useful infrastructure."
She said while the theft of cables and wheelie bins are common, this was the first time they noted an entire bus stop was stolen.
"We normally hear of cable theft or wheelie bins being stolen but to go this far it is very shocking and concerning.
"I also want to commend the officers that made the arrest. For their efforts and to the community who came forward with information and really trying their best to bring order to our communities and upliftment."
Cape Argus