Armed robbers were arrested in Long Street yesterday for allegedly stealing cigarettes worth tens of thousands of rands from a shop.
The robbery happened during the day at Friend’s Café on the corner of Long and Castle streets when three men stormed into the store and held up the shopkeeper at knifepoint.Â
The suspects stole three bags packed with cigarette cartons, two cell phones, cash and a watch.
Officers from the CCID Public Safety followed up after being notified of the robbery.
In collaboration with the police, they cordoned off the area. They managed to arrest the suspects.
CCID manager of Safety & Security, Mo Hendricks, said: “I’m proud of the diligence of the CCID PSOs in protecting people in the CBD as well as possessions especially during this period. The SAPS also deserves high praise, especially Captain Richard Lourens, as the crime scene was cordoned off within minutes of the police being alerted by our PSOs to the incident.”
Crime across all categories has decreased in the Cape Town Central City since the national lockdown was enforced on Thursday March 26, according to Mr Hendricks.Â
Recent statistics released by CCID Safety & Security revealed that crime in the CBD had dropped by 76% reduction since the lockdown began.