Men hiring prostitutes have become unwitting accomplices in the looting of a string of guesthouses by a crime syndicate which cleans out establishments after the “masseuse” appointments.

The gang believed to be behind at least 11 of the well-orchestrated crimes at Port Elizabeth bed-and-breakfast establishments and other accommodation venues are on the run following the arrest of a suspect in the wake of a six-month police investigation.

The modus operandi involves a woman checking into a guesthouse with a client – under his name – and‚ once the encounter is over and the client has left‚ the gang gains access and cleans out the establishment of TVs‚ fridges and even beds.

Sometimes the client is robbed after leaving the premises.

Detectives say the gang preys on men who hire prostitutes‚ knowing they will be reluctant to report a robbery to the police or get embroiled in any investigation relating to the burglary.

While guesthouses across the city have been targeted‚ with 11 known cases‚ police believe the gang could be linked to more of these types burglaries and robberies.

– TMG Digital/The Herald