Copperheads recover 2 tons of stolen cable

THE City’s metals theft unit confiscated more than two tons of stolen overhead copper cable in July.

This came as the unit prepared to further strengthen its enforcement arsenal, said Safety and Security member JP Smith.

“Cable theft continues to be a challenge and often the same suspects are arrested time and again. Section 18 of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015 has given us some hope because it allows for sentences of up to 30 years for people convicted of tampering with or damaging essential infrastructure.

“The additional powers under the Second-Hand Goods Amendment Act will now also allow our staff to act more decisively against scrap dealers,” Smith said.

In six months, the Copperheads conducted 787 inspections of scrapyards and bucket shops (informal scrapyards) and made 33 arrests.

They confiscated 139kg of brass, 21kg of heavy steel, and 172m of copper street light cable.

Hotspots for metal theft and illegal traders included Bonteheuwel, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Ocean View, Muizenberg, and Kraaifontein, Smith said. “Metal theft is big business for some and a means for a quick fix for others.

“Either way, the city and others, like Metrorail and Eskom, are constantly targeted.

“This often results in great inconvenience to communities and commuters,” said Smith.

The city called on community members to provide information or tip-offs on 0800 222 771.