JRA fights back against theft and vandalism
More than 365 cases of theft and vandalism of the city’s traffic signals have been reported to the SAPS over the past year alone
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Preventative measures have been taken by the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) to curb the theft and vandalism of traffic lights, which has reached alarming proportions.
More than 365 cases of theft and vandalism of the city’s traffic signals have been reported to the SAPS over the past year alone. Currently, 30 out of 2111 traffic signals across the city are out of order due to cable theft and traffic poles being cut and stolen.
A suspect in the process of stealing traffic signal cables on Wemmer Pan/N17 was recently arrested by the JRA security contractor. The incident occurred in the early hours of June 17. The Wemmer Pan/N17 on-ramp has become a hot spot for vandalism and theft of traffic light copper cables. Other hot spot intersections which are repeatedly targeted (some within 24 hours of replacement) and are under constant siege by criminals are:
• Chris Hani Road and Aerodrome Road in Soweto have been targeted 44 times over the past year.
• Nasrec Road and M1 South off-ramp in Aeroton have been targeted 26 times over the past year.
• Comaro Mooi Link/Wemmer Pan Road and North Road in Springfield Extension Four have been hit 22 times.
• Comaro Mooi Link/ Wemmer Pan Road and M2 West on-ramp in Springfield Extension Four have been targeted 24 times over the past year.
• Bonsmara Road and Leer Road in City Deep Extension One have been hit 27 times.
• Charles Road and Hamilton Road in Claremont have been targeted 21 times over the past year.
The first major step in combating the scourge by JRA was to install CCTV cameras and sensors to detect and respond to criminal acts of vandalism and theft. “It costs more than R300 000 to replace a vandalised signal, and approximately the same for security measures per intersection, therefore it should come as no surprise that the JRA has spent in excess of R10 million in dealing with theft and vandalism of traffic signal equipment and cables in the last financial year” said JRA acting managing director Mpho Kau. At the 30 intersections where CCTV cameras have been installed, theft of cables has reduced by between 60 per cent and 80 per cent.
An alternative material to copper cable will be piloted over the next few months. The aluminum alloy cable, which is clearly distinguishable from the standard copper cable does not have any resale value. Kau said: “Once the alternative cabling material has been thoroughly tested and approved for use, the challenge will be to educate the community on the new alternative material cables so as to reduce the occurrence of theft and vandalism.”
JRA is appealing to scrapyard owners to refrain from purchasing JRA assets when approached with such items. They are encouraged to report this to the JMPD, SAPS and other security organisations.
JRA is also requesting members of the community to report all acts of vandalism and theft of road infrastructure and the city’s furniture. Anyone with information on activities of vandalism and theft is requested to contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre on 0860 562 874 or report these criminal activities to the SAPS or JMPD.
