On (27 May) Fidelity ADT Officers Piet Maleka and Sonnyboy Rakgalakane were patrolling the Constantia Park area when they came across copper cables lying on the ground on the corner of Bach and George Eybers Street. The response vehicle had clearly scared off the suspects who fled leaving the stolen cables next to the road. The Officers searched the area but the suspects could not be found.

The Telkom cable theft hotline was called and the Telkom team arrived on the scene. Together the team and the Fidelity ADT Officers searched the area and found clothing about five metres from where the cables had been abandoned. The cables and the clothing were taken to the Garsfontein SAPS station for further investigation. The Telkom team proceeded to check the damage and begin repairs.

Cables are stolen for the copper and many areas are being severely affected by this type of crime. Local security companies and the local CPF are appealing to all residents to keep a look out for the perpetrators of these crimes.

Leon Muller, regional manager Fidelity ADT, says not only is there a serious impact on the community but cable theft can injure or even kill those tampering with the cables and even endanger the public.

“This kind of theft has to be reported. We do not recommend residents intervene in any way but rather report any suspicious behaviour to their Local SAPS department. This is a serious criminal offense and offenders will be arrested immediately,” he says.

Here is a number that can be contacted directly by the community and security will be sent out to investigate the cases and report the matter to the SAPS:

Stop copper theft 24-hour line from City of Joburg: - 011 490 7900 or 7911/7553