CC Image courtesy of Lsgeeks
Copper theft in South Africa increased to a value of ZAR12.5 million (US$1.2 million) in April from ZAR11 million (US$1.05 million) in March, with incidences having risen by 26 per cent year-on-year.
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said today copper theft had increased month-on-month by 23 tonnes, while the annual growth rate had increased for the second consecutive month.
“The risk is that the recent upward movements in copper theft can become entrenched, rather than adhere to the general downward trend of the last two years,” SACCI said.
“The outlook for reduction in copper theft levels for 2014 is concerning given the consistent increase in theft levels over the past three months. Hopefully this upward movement can be arrested through intensification of policing efforts and information-sharing amongst key stakeholders.
HumanIPO reported on the steady fall in copper theft during last year, following the South African Police Association (SAPS) vowing to intensify its fight against it.
