Criminals target water meters
These meters contain brass elements which criminals then sell for scrap metal.
LYDENBURG – A new criminal tendency is on the rise, where criminals target household water meters.
This weekend, meters in Lange, Fourie, Viljoen and Noord Street were stolen. Meters stolen in Fourie Street over the weekend resulted in interrupted water supply for the surrounding area.
These meters contain brass elements which criminals then sell for scrap metal. One water meter is said to weigh about 3.85 kilograms. If criminals get paid the going rate for scrap metal, which is R31.00, eight meters, for instance, equals an amount of R954.80.
Meters usually get stolen in the early hours when households are at their most vulnerable.
Residents are urged to be vigilant and contact their neighbourhood watch and SAPS should any suspicious activity be noticed.
