New crime trend heats up Zululand region

Criminals have set their sights on a new copper target, placing air conditioners at risk.

Home and business owners are cautioned to be on high alert as the opportunistic offenders look to heat things up.

“Over the past few weeks, we have received reports of air-conditioning units being stolen from properties, typically at night when most business premises are closed.

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“The Alton and Richards Bay CBD areas have been particularly hard hit, with reports of at least two air-conditioning units being stolen every week,” said Fidelity ADT marketing and communications head, Charnel Hattingh.

High-end air-conditioning systems are composed of at least 80% of copper tubes, resulting in a big pay day for perpetrators.

In a bid to help residents stay one step ahead, Hattingh has compiled some safety tips:
• Ensure your premises is well lit at all times

• Always have barrier security installed (electric fence, beams, sensor lights, burglar bars and interior detection)

• Never leave wheelie bins out overnight as criminals not only use these to climb on, they also use them to transport stolen goods

• Cut away excess shrubs and bushes as this serves as a good hiding spot for criminals

• Always keep your alarm armed. Make use of the various features your alarm offers (i.e. stay mode, sleep mode, away mode)

• Join your local neighbourhood watch and street WhatsApp groups

• Having visible armed response signage can also serve as a deterrent

• Installing quality CCTV cameras around your premises will help SAPS with investigations and deter opportunistic criminals

“Remain vigilant and do not leave anything to chance.

“If you see anything suspicious in or around your neighbourhood, report it immediately to your private security company and local SAPS,” concluded Hattingh.

Additionally, South Africa’s ‘powerhouse’, Eskom, estimated an astronomical R5- to R7-billion loss owing to copper cable theft for the 2023 financial year.

This excludes the R2-billion it costs to repair stolen cables.