Copper thieves have changed their strategy in their bid to steal the metal, with suspected criminals now targeting street lights.

Qomfoka Security officials reported that four men were seen pushing down a street light at the corner of Tatham and McKenzie streets at about 3am on Friday, September 4.

“Four men were spotted – two men striking the street light pole and two others posted to keep a lookout for passers-by,” said Sipho Ngcobo of Qomfoka Security told the Courier.

Suspects flee when security arrives

The pole eventually came crashing down and some of the copper was removed before security officials, backed up by Fidelity ADT, spotted the men.

The suspects fled the scene on foot before they could be apprehended.

“This gang were not just so-called paras. They were seen with gloves, masks and backpacks. They seemed quite organised. If this goes on, Dundee will lose a lot of street lights,” Ngcobo said.

Police and scrap dealers alerted

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been alerted, while local scrap-yard dealers have reportedly been asked to be on the lookout for anyone attempting to sell copper believed to have been stolen from the street light.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and on our Whats Up Channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TezkADTOJIPNmvO3u or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za.