A WARNING circulating on social media platforms suggesting that a red circle drawn on property water meters earmarks the home as a target for criminals, is false.
This comes as several residents expressed concern over the visible markings which they assumed were criminal pointers for robbers.
According to Business Against Crime Manager and Community Policing Forum member, Dave Whittaker, the information is ‘absolute nonsense’.
‘I have spoken to the City of uMhlathuze Water Distribution Manager, who informed me that the markings are municipal related.
‘It is an indication to other staff members that a ‘water restrictor’ has been fitted to the meter by the department.
‘This is done when municipal payments for services are not made. Water is not cut off completely, but instead left with a restricted flow.’ Whittaker said.
Further investigation on the matter revealed that there had been a miscommunication between municipal departments.
‘I was later informed that it appears the accounts department is, independently, busy with a programme of meter replacement for older and faulty meters.
‘This is carried out by an independent contractor who may well also be marking meters for their own purposes, so it may not be an indicator of a restrictor being fitted for monies owing but an indicator of other actions.
The two departments scheduled a management meeting yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) and further clarification on the different circles is awaited.
‘It should just be noted that these circles are not being put there for any criminal purpose.
‘All this type of thing does is cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. Surely criminals would just take a picture or pass on a house number, and not go through so much trouble of marking a water meter.’ Whittaker said.
@DHitzeroth
