A RESIDENT from Dungarvan Avenue reported recent cable theft in the area. Criminals have been targeting this street especially, since it is a quiet street in Winchester Hills.
In the past few weeks, thieves have successfully stolen three cables on three separate occasions. The first cable was stolen on April 18, the second on April 21 and the third just last week.
All cables were stolen between 3am and 4am.
On the last occasion, Bobby Venter, a resident across the road, spotted the cable thieves making their getaway. He was alerted by his dogs to the unusual movements
Venter immediately phoned the police and City Power who responded swiftly, but not in time to apprehend the thieves.
It takes only 10 minutes
Cable thieves climb to the top of the pole where they first switch off the electricity, then cut the cable, climb back down, cut the cable at the bottom and then take off. This is an operation they complete in less than 10 minutes.
In each case City Power acted speedily and power was restored within the same day. It was reported that a further three cables were stolen during this time in Winchester Hills.
It is estimated cable theft has resulted in around a R10-billion per year loss, affecting productivity, decreasing service provision and causing loss of lives.
While some solutions are being put forth in order to deter cable thieves, research shows that South Africa is experiencing almost 200 instances of cable theft per day. Only a small percentage of cable thieves are apprehended and even then it seems charges are not severe enough to deter them from committing this crime.
Cable theft is a real problem in South Africa and Winchester Hills’ residents fear that these criminals will be back for more.
Venter would like the area to be boomed off and patrolled regularly in order to keep further cable theft from happening. Since the area is quiet and has an overgrown field in its vicinity, it poses further risks for cable theft and other crimes.
Another resident expressed her fears, saying that the council should initiate a clean-up of the field and cutting of grass and low branches in order to make it safer for all.
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