A skelm, who stripped wires from an empty house in Rondebosch East, is behind bars after cops caught him red-handed on Monday morning.
A source said the 50-year-old man is an “old skelm” who targets homes in the area and thought he hit the jackpot when, along with his friend, found an empty house in Third Avenue.
“That guy is an old skelm and is known for stealing in the area. He and his friend found this empty house that was being renovated and broke into the house after 11 am.
“There were no valuables, but the two skelms started stripping all the copper wires from the house. The neighbours reported them to police and the officers caught one guy inside, but the other guy ran away.”
Metro Police spokesperson, Sergeant Ruth Solomons, says the skelm was caught by the Metro Police Property Crimes Task Team after they received a tip-off about a burglary.
“Officers immediately responded and caught one suspect red-handed, while a second suspect, unfortunately, managed to get away.
STRIPPED: Copper wires ripped. Photo: SUPPLIED
“The suspects gained entry by breaking the lock of the garage door and were stealing copper and wires from the premises. The 50-year-old man was arrested for burglary and theft and detained at Lansdowne Police Station.”
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms the arrest and says the man from Bokmakierie will appear in court on Thursday.
“The suspect will be charged with housebreaking and theft and is due to appear in Wynberg Magistrates’ Court (today).”