Cable thefts spark massive vagrant cleanup project
One of the biggest vagrant cleanups in Durban North will be conducted in the next few months, in an attempt to reduce petty crime and cable thefts.
CABLE thefts and other petty crimes have triggered authorities to implement one of the biggest vagrant cleanup projects in the Durban North area.
The project will be implemented as a joined operation between provincial SAPS, Metro SAPS, Durban Solid Waste and the Durban North CPF. Authorities will strike across the entire sector one of Durban North – especially Virginia Beach, Riverside Road and the beach side of the M4, which are infamous problem areas in terms of vagrants.
According to Neil Powell, the chairman of sector one of the Durban North CPF, the project was initialised due to the recent cable thefts in Norrie Avenue and the M4, as well as the ever prevalent petty crimes.
Powell reported that cable thefts have become increasingly prominent, and that authorities respond to reports on a daily basis.
“Vagrants are often responsible for crimes of opportunity, such as stealing a bike, climbing in an open window, and cable thefts. Although the municipality has begun re-installing stolen cables higher up, there are still some cables that are easily accessible,” said Powell.
The proactive project will involve the removal of vagrant’s property, such as rags, tents cardboard boxes and other building material used to construct shelters.
Stolen property is often found during such raids and are handed over to the SAPS. DSW will remove the rest of the material and dispose of it.
“The biggest problem is that we cannot physically remove the vagrants themselves. We can only remove their belongings and hope that it will discourage them from returning,” he said.
Regular smaller cleanups will be also be conducted to maintain the area and prevent the drifters from re-establishing themselves in the area.
