NO fewer than three municipal electrical mini substations were raided by copper thieves in Alton on Friday night.
Ferrogang 1, Alugang 1 and Helium Hoogte 1 substations were targeted and bus bars, cables, breakers and other metal items were stripped.
In one instance, the substation was barely three metre away from a security guardhouse, but no break-in was noticed.
While the value of metal stolen from the three substations was around R6 000, the cost of replacement cables, parts and labour would amount to about R30 000.
‘They obviously are people who are trained professionals,’ said a senior City engineer.
‘They know exactly where to isolate the circuits; this is now becoming an epidemic.
‘Anyone who sees activity around a substation during the night should know this is abnormal and should contact the police.
‘Also, if alarms trip because power is down, this should be noted by security companies who could assist to apprehend the culprits.’
With some 50 substations located in Alton alone, electricians are almost certain the thieves will strike again.
