BUSTED

THREE brazen 'skelms' who stole a bus stop for scrap metal are behind bars after being busted by wakker Law Enforcement officers on Wednesday. 

The shocking incident left cops and crime fighters baffled as the trio were caught re handed dragging the bus stop through Lotus River during the early hours. 

Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason says officers were alerted to the left shortly after 3am and immediately responded. 

Dyason reports: "On 16 April at approximately 3.30am, an alert member of the public reported that property was being vandalised and stolen.

"Law Enforcement officers responded and when they arrived at the location on old Strandfontein Road in the vicinity of Lotus River, they saw a bus shelter being dragged by three male suspects. They attempted to flee but were quickly caught.

"Upon investigation, it was discovered that the  three suspects were in possession of housebreaking implements as well. They were arrested and taken to Grassy Park SAPS for charges of malicious damage to property and possession of house breaking implements."

Grassy Park Community Police Forum chairperson Nicole Jacobus says the incident is "mind boggling". 

He says: "It is mind boggling that they can break down infrastructure like a bus stop or bus shelter used by our very own community during winter to keep them dry from then rain while waiting for a bus or taxi.

"It is really shocking that they would go so far in the sense of they break down the same stuff. We understand that everyone is on a skarrel or on a hunt for finances but it is a concern when they breakdown useful infrastructure." 

She explains while the theft of cables and wheelie bins are common this is the first time they noted an entire bus stop was stolen. 

Jacobus adds: "We normally hear of cable theft or wheelie bins being stolen but to go this far it is very shocking and concerning. I also want to commend the officers that made the arrest.

"For their efforts and to the community who came forward with information and really trying their best to bring order to our communities and upliftment."