Water meter theft a huge problem
SOPHIATOWN – 'Water meters are of value that is why they are targeted,' says Sophiatown Community Patrol chairperson.
The Sophiatown Community Patrol (SCP) made an arrest on the morning of 17 April following an attempted theft of a water meter.
“Our patrol cars noticed a resident chasing a male down the street and assisted. Once the guy was caught, he was then arrested for attempting to steal a water meter in Westdene,” said Sophiatown Community Patrol’s chairperson Dauw Steyn.
Joburg Water external communications officer Eleanor Mavimbela has stated that water meter theft and vandalism of water meters is a big problem.(See previous story)
According to Steyn, over the past month, the theft of water meters has become a huge problem.
“In Westdene and Newlands there have been an increase in water meter theft. The meters are being stolen because they are made out of metal and have copper so they can be sold for money. I suggest that Johannesburg Water roll out a programme that will replace the old water meters with the new plastic meters that are of no value. This will stop the water from being wasted every time the water meters are stolen and water is sent gushing down the street,” said Steyn.
