M4 takedown nabs syndicate behind break-ins across Ballito and Durban
A high-speed takedown on the M4 last Friday led to the arrest of six men believed to be behind a string of housebreakings along the North Coast and greater Durban area.
The group – allegedly part of a sophisticated housebreaking syndicate – were apprehended during a coordinated operation involving Marshall Security's Special Operations Team, the Durban North Saps Trio Crimes Unit, Crime Intelligence and Durban North Crime Prevention.
The arrests followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The suspects are linked to more than ten break-ins across Ballito, Salt Rock, Glenashley, La Lucia, Greenwood Park and Umbilo.
According to Marshall Security, the group used professional tactics to access homes – climbing through roofs, disabling alarm systems and ransacking properties while residents were away. Stolen items typically included jewellery, laptops, safes, televisions, firearms and watches.
Marshall Security began tracking the suspects on Friday when they entered Ballito. Officers followed their movements south toward Glenashley and La Lucia. Once their identities were confirmed, two vehicles were intercepted on the M4 near the Virginia off-ramp.
A search uncovered housebreaking tools, gloves and backpacks filled with jewellery and watches, believed to be stolen. Investigations are ongoing, with police working to link the group to additional cases.
Locally, Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairman Morné Steffens confirmed a recent spike in opportunistic crime, particularly in Marion, Zen and Sandra Roads.
'A repeat offender, previously arrested several times, is suspected of several incidents,' said Steffens.
'This individual typically enters through unlocked doors or windows and flees before detection. In many cases, residents had failed to activate alarms or perimeter beams.'
Vehicle theft is also on the rise, with high-end SUVs, particularily Toyota Fortuners, being targeted. Criminals reportedly gain access by removing front passenger windows. Steffens urged residents to be cautious about where they park and to invest in added security.
Despite the increase in incidents, Steffens praised the partnership between police, private security, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the Neighbourhood Watch.
'Ballito is fortunate to have excellent security services and committed volunteers. However, our patrollers are stretched thin. We urgently need more residents to volunteer for just two hours a week or every second week,' he said.
To get involved, visit www.ballitonw.org.za.
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