Residents and businesses grapple with cable theft challenges
It is alleged that the perpetrators operate at night, sometimes returning to the same property.
RESIDENTS and businesses in Yellowwood Park and the surrounding areas have had to contend with the rising number of incidents of cable theft on their premises.
Recently, a resident, Dorian Garvie, had his rental properties intruded upon by cable thieves four times within a fortnight.
Also read: Cable theft leaves Montclair residents without electricity for more than 24 hours
Garvie said the persistent thefts of copper wiring were instilling fear among residents regarding their safety. Despite the implementation of various security measures by residents, the thefts have continued.
Detailing the modus operandi, Garvie said the perpetrators operate at night, using the rear perimeter adjacent to the railway station demarcating Yellowwood Park and Chatsworth.
“The assailants breach the premises by circumventing razor wire barriers, incurring substantial financial losses for us in replacing the purloined infrastructure. Owing to the futility of reporting these felonies to law enforcement, we’ve ceased such endeavours, given the absence of apprehensions. Prior engagements with the authorities yielded negligible impact,” said Garvie.
Also read: Ward 64 residents urged to remain on guard as cable theft increases
He attributed the surge in criminal activity to unemployment and other socio-political issues.
“This constitutes essentially survivalist theft, motivated by destitution, either to procure sustenance or narcotics. Undoubtedly, a secondary market exists, facilitating the illicit trade of stolen copper cables. Consequently, denizens and proprietors have assumed responsibility for safeguarding their premises, cognisant of the prevailing suburban insecurity.”
He added that political strife and inadequacies in public service provision are paramount drivers of nationwide criminality.
Another resident and a contractor at a local business, Gavin Samuel, reiterated Garvie’s sentiments, emphasising the rampant theft of copper cables as the reason for residents opting to install plastic pipes instead. Samuel said the proliferation of informal scrapyards within communities exacerbates the issue, warranting concern.
Similarly, another resident, David Hall, recounted being alerted by the gardener about water gushing down their home on Tuesday, March 26.
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