Aportion of the Strand jetty that had apparently broken off due to crashing waves last Thursday (27 October) was later allegedly targeted by thieves who were caught with tools, including a car-jack, to ply planks of the “sleeper wood” open before being spotted by members of the public.
The three suspects used the cover of night to avoid being detected, but were halted in their tracks by members of Strand Neighbourhood Watch (SNW) following calls from the public before being loaded into the back of a police van and taken into custody. It was later established no case was opened and all suspects were let go.
One of the suspects is apparently the owner of an antique furniture shop in Strand. It is believed the owner would make thousands from the weathered, but strong lumber.
The community responded with scepticism after the initial report of the incident was posted on social media, where the value of the “rotting” wood was debated and some decrying the apprehension as unnecessary, as the jetty has for long been an eyesore and a danger to beachgoers.
“Why would anyone want to steal rotten wood and why would you arrest them? They’re doing the council’s work – clearing up a hulk of junk that’s a danger to the public!” To this another scoffed: “It’s not theirs, so it’s theft!”
Owners of antique furniture shops were asked to weigh in on the matter and comment on the true value of such wood.
“It’s a very strong wood, and despite being weathered over the years it can still be very valuable when making furniture out of it,” said Mark du Plessis of Treasures and Things. He added there is a demand for the wood within the industry, particularly because it fits the profile of antique products.
Petra Newtown of Tradefurn concurred, adding that the price of the wood could well be upwards of R500 per metre. “That’s the price of sleeper wood in today’s market, so I’m sure it’s within that range.”
SNW’s Philip Versfeld said after residents called to report suspicious activity at the jetty, watch members found the suspects dismantling the wood and were apparenly nearly ready to start loading it onto a bakkie.
