Drakenstein Municipality wants to encourage its community to become involved in the fight against electrical cable theft by reporting those responsible for it.
It is now offering a reward of up to R5 000 to anyone who provides credible information that can lead to the successful arrest and conviction of suspects involved in any criminal offence against the municipality. This includes cable theft, arson, illegal dumping and other crimes.
During the 2020-’21 financial year the municipality suffered losses of over R5 million to replace infrastructure due to cable theft. Theft and vandalism of essential municipal infrastructure is seen as a priority crime and, as per Section 2 of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act (Act 18 of 2015), imprisonment not exceeding 30 years and fines not exceeding R100 million can follow a successful conviction.
Following a recent surge in cable theft in Drakenstein, the municipality has devised an action plan to deal with criminals making themselves guilty of this selfish and dastardly act. This includes setting up a Metal and Cable Theft Unit by the City Manager, a specialised unit that aims to clamp down specifically on vandalism, theft of municipal infrastructure, and cable theft. Meanwhile, the municipality has increased bylaw enforcement against these acts, assisted by private security service providers.
It urges Drakenstein’s residents to report any suspicious-looking activity relating to cable theft to its 24/7 control room at 021 807 8508, or to the police. Anonymous tip-offs are also welcomed and can be made to the municipality on 021 807 8508 or 080 131 3553 toll-free.
Cable theft has an impact on the delivery of crucial services, primarily the provision of electricity, and telephonic and internet services. One recent example is criminals targeting overhead lines at Keerweder Road, Paarl, where more than 120 m of cable was stolen, causing damage to essential electrical infrastructure and agricultural production.
Cable theft costs the municipality of money and robs residents, not only of uninterrupted power, but also of services that could have been rendered with funds the municipality now has to spend on repairing and replacing cables.
Power outages, often caused by cable theft, can lead to an increase in crime as properties are more vulnerable during down time. Worst of all is the potential loss of innocent lives through electrocution or fires as a result of exposed cables.
Some of the measures already implemented by Drakenstein Municipality include the installation of aluminium cables where possible, which have a much lower resale value than copper. The municipality also installed cable detectors to alert the police and the municipality’s Law Enforcement division when anyone starts tampering with cables.
Security at Drakenstein’s electricity substations has been increased, and pepper spray systems, more lighting and electrified security fencing were installed at these to prevent access. The areas are monitored 24/7 by closed-circuit television cameras, as part of Drakenstein Municipality’s Smart Safety Network.
In addition, the Law Enforcement division works with police and farm and neighbourhood watches to ensure the culprits are arrested. The municipality is using smart technology such as drones, cable alarms and monitors, and quick and easy radio communication with all security agencies to expedite its response to these incidents.
