VIDEO: Scrapyard owners take matters into their own hands
Scrapyard owners have now resorted to turning their premises into fortresses, in some cases even using dirty tricks to make sure their property is safe from thieves.
POLOKWANE – Several scrapyard owners have suffered huge losses due to continuous thefts over the past few weeks… they have now resorted to turning their premises into fortresses, in some cases even using dirty tricks to make sure their property is safe from thieves.
A manager of one of the scrapyards, said they have tried everything they can to keep thieves off the property. “We have an alarm system that is destroyed every time there is a break in, the electric fencing has proven useless as it is cut or broken down, and barbed wire doesn’t help either.
“Security dogs are poisoned. We are left with no other choice but to take extreme measures to protect our business.”
In the path snaking through the veld, booby traps have been set for would-be thieves. These include deep holes lined with sharp objects and covered up with grass and leaves. In some places, there are also well hidden wooden planks with nails protruding sharp ends up, laid across the path.
“Our only defence against these people is to go ‘old style’ and unconventional and this seems to be working,” he explained.
“Numerous reports have been made to the police regarding several robberies but nothing has come of them.
“We are left to deal with this on our own and for now we trust that we have a plan that is working.”
Police urge scrapyard owners not to take matter into their own hands
Westenburg police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, urged scrapyard owners to contact the police station and not to take matters into their own hands, because they could find themselves on the wrong side of the law if they caused anyone to get injured by their safety measures.
“The police will increase patrols in the area,” Mashiane added.
Read the full story in Review Weekend
