A Netstar helicopter spotted a stolen Toyota Fortuner being stripped in their back yard yesterday.
Image: SUPPLIED
A Verulam couple was caught hiding in their wardrobe after police raided their property, after a Netstar helicopter spotted a stolen Toyota Fortuner being stripped in their back yard yesterday.
The couple was allegedly operating a chop shop, and stripped and sold parts of stolen cars to panel beating workshops and used spares dealers.
Denzil Govender from Ground Zero Search and Rescue said multiple security companies responded to the call for back-up from Netstar after they spotted the vehicle at about 5pm.
“The vehicle's location signal was traced to the Ottawa area and upon arrival at the location, the vehicle was not visible to the ground teams.
The couple was allegedly operating a chop shop, and stripped and sold parts of stolen cars to panel beating workshops and used spares dealers.
Image: SUPPLIED
“To aid in the search, the Netstar helicopter was activated. With the assistance of the helicopter's bird's-eye view, the vehicle was located hidden at the back of a property.
“Security officers entered the property with police and on closer inspection, they confirmed that the vehicle was the same vehicle that had been stolen.
“The vehicle was being stripped. When police breached the house, they found a man and woman hiding in the wardrobe.
“While police arrested the couple, a third suspect entered the house. He too was arrested,” Govender said.
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Security, said parts belonging to numerous different vehicles were found in the home.
“The SAPS processed the scene and took the vehicle, along with various relevant parts, as evidence.
“The vehicle parts and accessories that were recovered are believed to be linked to vehicle theft operations in the north,” Naidoo added.