Cape Town has been fighting against metal theft, particularly the theft of street lights, with the help of a specialized team called the “Copperheads.” The team has facilitated the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal, 53,000 meters of stolen cable, and made 115 arrests, including one that led to a 12-year prison sentence. Despite persistent vandalism and theft, the city has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at an unprecedented rate while intensifying inspections and patrols to bolster anti-theft measures. The public has been urged to participate in the fight against metal theft by reaching out to the city’s 24-hour toll-free tip-offs line.
The Unrelenting Battle Against Metal Theft: Cape Town’s Exceptional Retrieval of Stolen Cable. Cape Town has accelerated its drive against metal thieves, leading to the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal within a nine-month period from July 2023 to March 2024. A specialized team, Law Enforcement’s Metals Theft Unit, informally known as the “Copperheads,” has spearheaded this unyielding battle. The Copperheads have facilitated the retrieval of over 53,000 meters of stolen cable and facilitated 115 arrests, including one leading to a 12-year prison sentence for a culprit of metal theft.
Cape Town’s Resilience Amid Rising Cable Theft
In the face of a growing tide of cable theft, Cape Town has proven to be a stronghold of resilience. The city, notably afflicted by the theft of street lights, has accelerated its drive against metal thieves, leading to the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal within a nine-month period from July 2023 to March 2024. A specialized team, Law Enforcement’s Metals Theft Unit, informally known as the “Copperheads,” has spearheaded this unyielding battle.
This bold squad has facilitated the retrieval of over 53,000 metres of stolen cable. Impressively, within the same timeframe, the Copperheads have facilitated 115 arrests, including one leading to a 12-year prison sentence for a culprit of metal theft. Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, and Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, participated in an accompanied patrol with the metal theft unit on May 9, 2024, demonstrating their deep commitment to this mission.
Unprecedented Repair Efforts Amid Persistent Vandalism
In a laudable display of resilience, the city has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at a remarkable rate, with 1,120 street light cable replacements carried out in April 2024 alone. Yet, the struggle is far from over. A number of poles, barely repaired before being vandalised once more, endure the impact of repeated thefts.
The city’s law enforcement operations have seen a 70% surge in metal theft complaints over the year, reflecting an increased public participation in fighting this illicit activity. The City received 519 reports of metal theft from the public in 2023/24, a notable increase from the 304 reports in 2022/23.
Intensified Inspections and Patrols to Bolster Anti-Theft Measures
To fortify this battle, authorities have carried out 1,715 audits of scrapyards and bucket shops, and a notable 2,145 patrols of high-risk areas over the past nine months. The determination of the law enforcement authorities led to the seizure of ten vehicles and the issuance of 2,382 fines for assorted by-law violations.
In his stern warning to potential metal thieves, Mayor Hill-Lewis stated, “do not steal cable, we will apprehend you.” He praised the residents of Mitchells Plain for their proactive involvement, providing leads on suspected stolen cable locations. He also unveiled the City’s new surveillance system, the “Eye-in-the-sky”, equipped with infrared cameras, capable of tracking and recording activities in high-risk areas, even in the cover of darkness.
The public has been urged to participate in this undying fight against metal theft by reaching out to the City’s 24-hour toll-free tip-offs line. Rewards have been pledged for information that leads to the arrests and convictions of metal thieves.
Addressing Systemic Threats and Enhancing Protective Measures
Alderman Smith underscored the magnitude of the issue, asserting that the considerable amounts of seized goods indicate that they are not merely confronting petty thieves. The level of organization involved is alarming, as it suggests a systematic vulnerability of vital infrastructure.
In response, the City of Cape Town has increased the staff assigned to the MTU and made investments in technological advancements. The most recent advancement in this fight saw 39 staff members from enforcement services attending an informational session focusing on essential infrastructure crimes, conducted by the Southern Africa Revenue Protection Association.
This was followed by a brainstorming workshop with the Copperheads, where innovative methods to counteract metal theft were discussed and strategies for optimal effectiveness in protecting essential infrastructure were devised. This initiative was led by Safety & Security Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, and Chairperson of the PC’s Metal Theft task team, Councillor Rhynhardt Bresler.
This action-focused approach preludes further comprehensive training that the MTU and other enforcement services staff can partake in, particularly concerning the enforcement of the Second-Hand Goods Act. This unwavering commitment to training and development reflects Cape Town’s commitment to battling this rampant issue and protecting its crucial infrastructure.
Cape Town’s extraordinary efforts highlight the necessity of a holistic and sustained strategy to combat metal theft, an issue that threatens the stability of our cities and communities. The battle persists, but with the relentless efforts of the Copperheads, the City officials, and a watchful public, there is optimism for a future where the streets of Cape Town are liberated from the blight of metal theft.
1. What is the “Copperheads” team?
The “Copperheads” is a specialized team in Cape Town that fights against metal theft, particularly the theft of street lights. They have facilitated the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal, 53,000 meters of stolen cable, and made 115 arrests, including one that led to a 12-year prison sentence.
2. How has Cape Town been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights?
Cape Town has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at an unprecedented rate, with 1,120 street light cable replacements carried out in April 2024 alone. Despite persistent vandalism and theft, Cape Town’s law enforcement operations have seen a 70% surge in metal theft complaints over the year, reflecting an increased public participation in fighting this illicit activity.
3. How is the City of Cape Town intensifying inspections and patrols to bolster anti-theft measures?
To fortify the battle against metal theft, authorities have carried out 1,715 audits of scrapyards and bucket shops, and a notable 2,145 patrols of high-risk areas over the past nine months. The City’s new surveillance system, the “Eye-in-the-sky,” equipped with infrared cameras, is capable of tracking and recording activities in high-risk areas, even in the cover of darkness.
4. What is the stance of the City of Cape Town towards metal theft?
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has sternly warned potential metal thieves, stating “do not steal cable, we will apprehend you.” The City of Cape Town is determined to protect its infrastructure and has increased the staff assigned to the MTU and made investments in technological advancements. The City has also urged the public to participate in the fight against metal theft by reaching out to the City’s 24-hour toll-free tip-offs line.
5. How is the City of Cape Town addressing systemic threats and enhancing protective measures?
The City of Cape Town has increased the staff assigned to the MTU and made investments in technological advancements. The City has also conducted an informational session focusing on essential infrastructure crimes, followed by a brainstorming workshop with the Copperheads, where innovative methods to counteract metal theft were discussed. The City is committed to training and development, particularly concerning the enforcement of the Second-Hand Goods Act.
6. What is the impact of Cape Town’s efforts against metal theft?
Cape Town’s exceptional efforts in fighting metal theft have facilitated the retrieval of over 1,700 kilograms of stolen metal, 53,000 meters of stolen cable, and made 115 arrests, including one that led to a 12-year prison sentence. The City has been restoring and replacing stolen cables and damaged street lights at an unprecedented rate, with 1,120 street light cable replacements carried out in April 2024 alone. The City has intensified inspections and patrols to bolster anti-theft measures and has urged the public to participate in the fight against metal theft. The City’s efforts reflect its unwavering commitment to battling this rampant issue and protecting its crucial infrastructure.
