Businesses in Primrose have recently been hit by copper pipe thieves.
Ivan Terpend, from LIM Funerals, contacted the GCN after the business was broken into, last Monday evening.
“The thieves just took the copper piping for our geysers and such things, and now we have to replace everything at great cost,” Terpend said.
After discovering the theft when he got to work, last Tuesday morning, Terpend sent some of his employees to check out the local scrapyards, to see if they could find the copper pipes.
“The pipes were found at a scrapyard in Cactus Road and the Primrose police were contacted,” he said.
Sgt Styles Maome, communications officer for the Primrose SAPS, told the GCN that, through the CCTV footage from LIM Funerals, the police were able to trace the suspect and arrest him.
He is due to appear in the Germiston Magistrates Court soon.
Terpend and Gary Strydom, from the Primrose CPF, told the GCN that a number of businesses have suffered the same fate, recently.
They are calling for action to be taken against scrapyards which buy stolen goods.
“These scrapyards should be closed down,” Terpend said.
With regard to scrapyards buying stolen goods, Maome said that an investigation had been opened.
“The secondhand dealer officer is proceeding with an investigation regarding the matter,” he explained.
“We are appealing to the community to come forward with information related to the allegation.
“People with information can call the Primrose Police Station on 011 842-0500, or visit the offices of either the station or branch commanders, at the police station in Poppy Road.”
Other articles you may be interested in:
Family grieves after murder of loving grandmother
