Copper theft on rise – Sacci

LOSSES to copper theft rose marginally to R13.2 million in October, up from R13m the previous month, according to the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Sacci) Copper Theft Barometer. “This is the fifth monthly increase in the year and is 43 percent higher than a year ago. The increase in October is a worrying signal that copper theft may be on the increase.” The volume of stolen copper rose from 173 tons in September to 176 tons last month. “The recent increases… suggest an upward trend has taken hold. This is a setback from the good work done in driving down the crime trajectory from 2012 to 2013.” – Sapa