Hi-tech shoplifting suspects bust at mall

Two women carrying devices to thwart metal detectors in store entrances have been arrested after a months-long shoplifting spree in Cape Town malls.

Police said the women‚ aged 37 and 46‚ were nabbed on Monday at a mall in Plumstead with the help of number-plate recognition cameras and neighbourhood watch patrollers.

The alarm was triggered when the women’s dark grey car was seen in the area.

They were arrested as they left the mall‚ where the anchor tenant is a Pick n Pay. “The suspects were found with homemade devices to deflect metal detectors at the exit points of the store,” Constable Zak Marais‚ of the Diep River police station, said.

“[They also had] various food [items] that could not be accounted for by means of proof of purchase.”

Police searched the women’s car and found food and clothing allegedly stolen from nearby shopping centres.

“Video footage from the respective stores showed several of the items allegedly [being] stolen by the same suspects.

“The management of these stores were traced and notified immediately and case dockets were registered‚” Marais said.

One of the two women was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant in Johannesburg.

Marais said the women‚ who had struck at malls in Cape Town’s northern and southern suburbs, posed as shoppers.

“One pushed a trolley and kept a lookout for cameras and guards‚ while the other [allegedly] stole from the shelves and other shoppers.”

The women will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court for theft and possession of stolen goods.