Suspect arrested after breaking into Port Elizabeth bank

A burglary suspect who broke through a Port Elizabeth bank’s front door on Wednesday night – punching through the glass with his hands – was arrested just an hour later.

The 23-year-old had allegedly stolen just a computer monitor.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the suspect shattered the front door of the Absa Bank in Govan Mbeki Avenue‚ North End‚ around 11pm.

She said police were immediately alerted when the bank’s security systems picked up movement inside.

“The K9 Unit responded to the scene but on arrival the man had already fled. Traces of blood were found inside the bank after the suspect injured himself the burglary‚” Naidu said.

“The CCTV footage was then viewed by the bank’s off-site monitoring company who relayed a description of the suspect to police. Cameras show the suspect running inside‚ grabbing a computer screen and fleeing.

“The outside cameras showed the man running into a nearby side street.”

Naidu said the suspect was found walking in Middle Street‚ around the corner‚ within an hour of the burglary.

“His hands were cut and the computer monitor was under his arm. He did not attempt to run when he realised he was caught.”

The suspect is expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on a charge of burglary on Friday.

- HeraldLIVE