The City of Cape Town is calling on residents to report illegal and non-compliant scrap dealers as part of its ongoing efforts to combat cable and metal theft across the metro.

The appeal comes as the City confirms that its Metal Theft Unit has shut down 136 scrap dealers and bucket shops since July last year for illegal trading or non-compliance with regulations.

During the same period, the specialised unit made 88 arrests, recovered more than a kilometre of stolen cable and over 800 kilograms of metal, and conducted thousands of patrols and inspections across hotspot areas.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, says 42 scrap metal dealers and 94 bucket shops were closed during inspections for failing to meet legal requirements or operating unlawfully.

“Reasons for closure include continued non-compliance with applicable legislation, where they are found guilty of an offence, or for failing to register as a second-hand goods dealer or metal recycler. We are confident that the near 30% increase in hotspot patrols has prevented acts of criminality, protecting essential infrastructure in the process.”

 

Smith says enforcement will continue and has urged residents to play their part by reporting suspicious activity linked to illegal scrap trading.

“Public assistance is critical in clamping down on the illegal trade in metals, so if you see something, please report it, no matter how big or small.”