Quick teamwork between local security and residents led to the arrest of a suspected cable thief in Randpark Ridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

According to Beagle Watch, their call centre received a notification at around 04:12 about a person seen dragging a long cable near the corner of Ysterhout Avenue and Molooe Drive. CCTV footage captured the suspect in the act.

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Two Beagle Watch response vehicles were immediately dispatched, arriving at the scene within minutes. The CSS security control room operator alerted Craig Pickavance, a member of the Boskruin Residents Association (BRA), who monitors CCTV cameras for Randpark Ridge in partnership with CSS.

Pickavance then joined the response officers to help locate the suspect.

Together with three armed-response officers and a resident, the team searched an open field nearby and found the man hiding. He was apprehended at around 04:16 and found in possession of an 11m long cable.

The suspect was handed over to Honeydew SAPS, where he was charged with cable theft and damage to infrastructure. It is still unclear whether the stolen cable belongs to Eskom or City Power.

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John Magilego, from Beagle Watch, said cable theft has become a recurring problem in the Randpark Ridge area. He added that CCTV cameras have played a key role in helping prevent and respond to such incidents.

“Cameras in the area are a great help in spotting suspicious activity and allowing quick response from security teams and residents.”

The incident highlights how close co-operation between residents, private security, and police can make a difference in keeping local neighbourhoods safe.

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