IN recent weeks private security companies made several arrests which have highlighted a spike in copper cables and copper pipe theft across the north Durban area.

Cases have been reported in Prestondale, Kenville, uMhlanga and Riverhorse Valley to name a few.

According to the eThekwini Municipality, copper cable theft poses a serious threat to service delivery and the City has spent more than R40m to replace six tons of stolen cables in the last financial year.

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In the latest arrest on Friday last week, Marshall Security detained a suspect who was found in possession of alleged stolen items in Prestondale.

“Officers discovered copper cables and an outdoor floodlight. The suspect was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for being in possession of these items. It is believed the items may have been removed from either a nearby public light pole or a residential property in the Prestondale area,” said Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell.

A little over a week ago a suspect was arrested after he was found burning copper cables in a property in the Kenville area.

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“We received an alert via a WhatsApp Crime Alert group, where a vigilant member of the Greenwood Park CPF reported a fire behind properties on Gum Tree Road, Kenville. Our officers were dispatched and found a suspect who was  actively burning a copper cable. When questioned, the suspect was unable to provide a valid explanation for the origin of the cable and was immediately apprehended,” he said.

Meanwhile the eThekwini Municipality has also encouraged residents to report cable theft, saying it impacts negatively on businesses and residents.

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