The City of Cape Town’s metal theft unit recovered 53 kilometres of stolen infrastructure during the first six months of the current financial year.
According to the City, the unit executed 404 independent operations, conducted 1,260 scrapyard inspections and 1,777 hotspot patrols and responded to 277 public complaints.
These actions culminated in 83 arrests and the recovery of 1,205.51 kilogrammes of metal and 53,743.88 metres of stolen cable.
Also read: Another busy night in Breede Valley as fires burn out of control
‘The increase in arrests and confiscations shows once more the extent of the challenges linked to cable and metal theft,’ commented JP Smith, Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety and security.
He continued, ‘The impact on services, the economy and the repairs and maintenance budgets of departments that bear the brunt of the scourge is well documented.’
Alderman Smith stated that the load on the City’s metal theft unit and enforcement services is not getting lighter; however, despite the challenges, the unit continues to produce positive results.
Smith commended the unit’s adaptability in facing ever-changing theft strategies. He said that utilising tools like the integrated policing incident system and constantly seeking technological advancements aid their enforcement endeavours.
Among their notable successes were the conviction and sentencing of a suspect under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act and several significant arrests, including the apprehension of suspects with large amounts of stolen metal and cash.
The City encourages citizens to report cable theft to its Public Emergency Communication Centre.
Cable theft can be reported by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Also read:
Golfers raise R6.6m for education of fallen SAPS officers’ children
Picture: City of Cape Town