The City’s Metal Theft Unit, known as the Copperheads, is ramping up its operations, with more arrests and more staff doing hotspot patrols than ever before.

184 suspects were arrested during July last year and June this year, a 14% increase from the same period the previous year.

The unit also increased its hotspot patrols by 42%, with thousands of fines and compliance notices issued to scrapyards.

The City’s MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith the scale of the problem is massive.

Over a three month period (April – June 2023), the unit confiscated over 4500 kilograms of stolen metal, and 405 metres of cable, compared to 537 kilograms (metal) and 238 metres (cable), during the corresponding period in the previous year.

‘These confiscation statistics simply confirm the scale of the problem, and it is compounded by the near consistent higher stages of load-shedding which provides the perfect cover and opportunity for criminals. We’ve nearly doubled our staff complement since 2019, from just 19 members to 35 currently, and while that has been a welcome boost, the task at hand is quite simply massive. The unit’s efforts are supported by the City’s other enforcement agencies, but we are not going to win this particular war on our own. We require more swift prosecutions and lengthier sentences to act as deterrents, but also a legislative shift that takes the shine off the scrap metal trade, and the related theft of metals and critical infrastructure.’

The table below provides some more insight into the battle to stop copper cable theft:

Smith says in spite of ongoing challenges, a handful of recent convictions offer a bit of a silver lining.

In recent months, the Copperheads has been notified of a few cases dating back to 2020 and 2021, that have been finalised, including:

• Two convictions in the Parow Regional Court in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, with sentences of three and four years respectively
• A 12-year sentence handed down in the Wynberg Regional Court in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act

Smith says while it is satisfying to see the efforts of staff come full circle, it’s a difficult road ahead and the City is working to forge improved ties with the National Prosecuting Authority and SAPS in this regard.

‘It is also imperative to extend a word of thanks to the public for their role in helping us fight theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure. The Metal Theft Unit has built up an exceptional informant base, and receives many positive tips that result in arrests. I want to remind residents to say something if they see something. Tips are always welcome, and can also be passed along anonymously.’

In one of the most recent incidents, earlier this month, officers received an anonymous tip off about a vehicle that was transporting stolen cables.

They intercepted the vehicle along Klipheuwel Road, and found a bag filled with copper cable – the occupants could not account for the items, and the trio was arrested for metal theft.

Residents can report crime and by-law offences anonymously, 24-hours a day, on 0800 110077.

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