Cable and gate motor thefts hit Northside
With collaborative efforts from residents, local authorities, and security companies it is hoped that these preventative measures will effectively limit crime and restore safety to the affected areas.
Cable and gate motor theft remain a significant concern in the Northside areas. Despite ongoing challenges, enhanced security measures and community involvement have led to some progress in combating these crimes.
According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, cable theft cases in Ward 97, which includes areas like Ruimsig, Willowbrook and Honeydew, have stabilised thanks to robust security interventions. In the 2023/ 24 financial year, infrastructure crimes in the region saw a 52% decline.
“The enhanced security measures that we have put in place and increased community involvement have significantly curbed cable theft in many areas. This has led to higher arrest rates,” Mangena stated. However, theft and vandalism continue to affect the reliability of the power supply.
The financial and operational impact of cable theft is substantial. Stolen or vandalised infrastructure leads to delays in restoring power, as sourcing replacement materials can be time-consuming.
“These delays disrupt operations and significantly affect our customers,” Mangena explained.
To address the issue, City Power has begun replacing copper cables with materials like aluminium or fibre optics, which have lower resale value and are less attractive to thieves. In Wilgeheuwel, for example, the replacement of over 2km of copper cable earlier this year significantly reduced theft incidents.
Meanwhile, residents are taking proactive measures to combat cable theft. A mini-substation camera project, funded by community donations, is underway, with Absolute Security set to monitor the CCTV cameras in high-risk areas. Residents have also been urged to verify the legitimacy of any workers on the power network by asking for job cards, valid IDs, and vehicle registration details, and reporting suspicious activity to City Power’s risk control team.
In addition to cable theft, the area continues to struggle with gate motor thefts, which leave homes vulnerable. Criminals often target residential complexes, lifting gates off rails or stealing motors. Gavin van Wyk, the managing director of APR Security, advises residents to install gate alarms, anti-theft brackets, and motion detection cameras.
“Gate motor theft leaves homes exposed. Preventative measures like alarms and cameras can stop criminals before they gain access,” Van Wyk explained. He also emphasised the importance of neighbourhood watch programs and community involvement in deterring crime.
City Power, in collaboration with the police, is increasing resources in high-crime areas and pushing for stricter sentencing for offenders found tempering with electrical infrastructure.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly during the holiday season when theft and vandalism tend to spike.
