THE Berea West area in Westville has been a hotspot for copper theft and house break-in cases, and on Sunday, Westvillle Crime prevention made a breakthrough with the arrest of a 36-year-old man.

Westville SAPS communications officer, Captain Elizabeth Squires, said copper theft and house break-ins have recently increased in that area.

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“The officers were patrolling the area when they stopped a suspicious man on the M13. The man tried to flee but was apprehended.”

According to Squires, the man was found in possession of 21 lengths of copper pipes that had evidence of being recently broken off, and a stainless steel sink.

“The man gave no valid explanation for it being in his possession. He has been detained at Westville SAPS for Section 36 for further investigation,” reported Squires.

Acting station commander and vispol commander, Lieutenant Colonel Adele Roos, commended the members for the excellent arrest and recovery.

She also expressed concern for the increase in theft of copper pipes and damage to infrastructure.

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