Copper thieves get their wires crossed
09 September 2024
The City’s enforcement services arrested 326 suspects this past week – a 34% increase week on week, and they also issued 58 579 fines. Among those arrested were two cable theft suspects, caught in the act.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, 7 September 2024, Law Enforcement officers attached to the Metal Theft Unit were on patrol in Kuilsriver, along Stellenbosch Arterial (a known hotspot for cable theft), when they arrested a 32-year-old suspect. Officers found two lengths of streetlight copper cables in his possession, as well as a hacksaw, pliers and a garden fork. The suspect was detained at Belhar SAPS.
On the same day, Metal Theft Unit officers arrested another suspect along AZ Berman Drive in Mitchells Plain. The 34-year-old woman had three metres of street light cabling and a side cutter in her possession.
In Wetton, on Friday, 6 September, Traffic officers arrested three suspects after pulling over a vehicle near Wetton Circle. Officers found ammunition and several thousand rand in cash hidden in the dash panel behind the car radio, and one of the occupants in the vehicle was in possession of a pistol and ammunition. Officers were backed up by the SAPS Flying Squad who had also happened to flag the vehicle as suspicious.
These arrests were among 326 made by City agencies over the past week, up from 244 the week before.
'The increase in arrests bears testament to the efforts of our staff on the ground, but also serve as a reminder that criminals are relentless. We will continue to work closely with the South African Police Service in sharing technology and resources so that our combined efforts can make a meaningful impact in reducing crime rates. Apart from crime prevention duties, our staff also play a crucial role in assisting at major events. Their efforts were on display in the Cape Town stadium precinct and surrounds this weekend, during the big rugby match between the Springboks and All Blacks, with no major incidents reported,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In the past week, traffic officers issued 51 141 fines and arrested 30 suspects of which 16 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for reckless and negligent driving and eight for other offences which included a stolen vehicle, false documentation and assault of an officer.
Officers also impounded 188 public transport vehicles and executed 1 653 warrants of arrest.
Law Enforcement officers made 236 arrests, while their Metro Police counterparts arrested 60 suspects and issued more than 3 620 fines.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 424 calls this weekend, including 108 cases of assault.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
