Police in Uitenhage are checking up on late night idlers roaming the streets for no apparent reason.

“Police are stopping and chatting to people who are seen walking the quiet streets during the early hours of the morning. This practice has paid dividends as alleged housebreakers were arrested,” said police spokesperson Lt.Col. Priscilla Naidu.

In the first incident, a man was apprehended by police at about 00:10 last Thursday after he was seen walking with a frying pan in his hand. It is alleged that a church in Uys Street was broken into and the frying pan was one of the items taken.

“In another incident, something appeared fishy at the Nice’n Fishy takeaway in Caledon street. A resident near the shop alerted the owner of the takeaway about some movement in the shop. A 23 year old man was arrested for housebreaking.”

At about 04:00 last Thursday, two men were arrested by police after they were spotted walking in Constitution Road, pushing a wheelbarrow with tools and spades.

“Police surprised the men who could not offer a reasonable explanation as to the possession of the equipment. They were detained and charged with possession of property suspected to be stolen,” said Lt.Col. Naidu.