Cape Town - Kensington residents have voiced their frustration over a spike in the theft of water meters.
According to the Community Policing Forum (CPF), load shedding has exacerbated the issue.
The Kensington CPF spokesperson Reece Abrahams said they have noted with concern the sharp increase in water meter theft reported in the last 30 days.
“We have engaged our local SAPS on the matter and found that the modus operandi to be that of targeting the copper water meter that is then sold for about R120 per kilogram or more. We are spearheading dialogue with the City of Cape Town on this matter as a matter of urgency.
“Further to this, the Kensington SAPS has activated its own plans to curb this, including other internal mechanisms to ensure that perpetrators are successfully prosecuted,” said Abrahams.
Abrahams added that while they appreciated the affiliated neighbourhood watches that remain on high alert and continue to patrol their respective blocks, they needed more men and women to join these structures.
They also urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in and around homes, and report any information about the sale of these water meters.
Residents in Steenberg and other areas have also complained about an increase in the theft of brass water meters.
Last year, the City reported 2 198 cases of water meter theft from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 with an average of 152 water meters stolen a month.
Cape Times