Cell-tower battery theft curbed

CELLULAR network giant MTN says increased security measures and hi-tech solutions to prevent battery theft and vandalism at cell tower base stations in January led to the recovery of 143 batteries, worth R1.2 million.

“However, the battle rages on with syndicates targeting base stations, as battery theft incidents rise.

“A total of 338 batteries worth R4 million stolen from MTN base stations were recovered in July last year, with 275 batteries worth almost R3 million recovered in September.

“The number of arrests also ticked up appreciably to an annual high of 22 in September,” the network service provider said.

A total of 703 batteries were stolen from MTN stations in January this year, in 122 incidents.

Cable theft also increased over December and January, with 109 incidents recorded in January, said MTN.

A joint operation between Bidvest Protea Coin and the SAPS led to the arrest of three suspects in October.

Eight MTN Lithium Ion Batteries and eight Telkom Lead Acid batteries were recovered.

MTN said sentences of between 5 and 10 years were meted out for the offence of tampering with essential infrastructure.

The company’s general manager for network operations, Ernest Paul, said: “As recent trends indicate, there is still much to be done and we must anticipate a greater fightback from criminals and sophisticated syndicates in the months ahead and be ready.”

MTN said all national cellular networks remain under increased pressure to improve recoveries and reduce theft as the knock-on effects will become more severe if left unchecked.

“New rounds of load shedding are increasing the risks, with networks placed under increased strain to get power back up.

“The battery back-up system generally takes 12-18 hours to recharge, while batteries generally have a capacity of 6-12 hours, depending on the site category.”

To report cellphone tower battery theft or any suspicious activity contact Bidvest Protea Coin Hotline on 086 101 1721 or MTNza Fraud Line or 083 123 7867, alternatively email anonymous@tipoffs.com.

Meanwhile, cash-in-transit company SBV Services has appealed to the public for any information which may assist the police in its investigation of former employee Bathobile Mlangeni.

The company said she is allegedly linked to the theft of R4 million from its collection facility at the Mall of Africa in Joburg in July.

This was not a cash centre but a collection facility for cash collected from tenants in the mall.