Thieves steal 14 geysers at local business

GREENWOOD Park SAPS has sent out a crime alert to businesses and residents in the area following the theft of 14 geysers from a business in Peter Road, Springfield Park. 

According to Lt Elvis Naidoo, spokesman for the station, the geysers were stolen between 3 and 5 May. “The geysers were probably stolen for copper or to re-sell,” Lt Naidoo said. 

He urged residents or businesses who are approached by people selling geysers to contact the station on 031 571 6512/6511.

In January Northglen News reported that Glen Anil businessman, George Cominos, was angry, despondent and at his wits end with scrap thieves who he says have cost him more than R170 000 since last year. 

Cominos said the problem started in November last year when the factory behind his workshop was targeted by copper piping thieves who made off with countless metres of the valuable product.

Cominos said he remained baffled how the criminals managed to get over a three meter high wall to steal the geyser and also transport it out of the area. He added more than 10 businesses were targeted for different metals throughout November and December and three businesses also had their geysers stolen on Cypress Drive.

Another man who has felt the crippling effect of metal theft has been Paul Brooker from BNR Engineering. 

“They stole my geyser which caused the workshop to flood. We had about 50mm of water on the floor. They have stolen drills, grinders and welding machines. This is crippling to my business, I haven’t had the money to afford to replace the geyser,” Brooker said.

Both men agreed that scrap dealers were to blame and remain convinced that the metal is destined for unscrupulous scrap dealers. 

“There’s no ways that these guys are carrying the stuff in the back of trolleys. I had aluminium extrusion measuring 6m in length stolen. There’s just too much to carry, you’d have to have a truck or a bakkie to transport them,” Brooker said.