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Retreat and Steenberg residents are asked to be vigilant as there has been an increase in water meter theft in recent weeks.
Ward 68 councillor Marita Petersen said an estimated 20 water meters were stolen in one week alone.
“Water meter theft is on the increase in the Steenberg areas. For the last week an estimated 20 water meters were stolen and replaced by the City. This normally happens in the early hours of the morning between 03:00 and 05:00.
She added that perpetrators need to be brought to book.
“If you know of scrapyards buying parts, then we request that you please report it to 021 480 7700.
“You have the right to remain anonymous.”
In a Facebook post Deidre Mayes said their water meter was stolen in the early hours of Monday 25 April.
“Please be vigilant, there have been incidents in the Retreat area where water meters have been stolen. “Ours was stolen in the early hours of this morning where they actually cut the water meter out, which causes water to run out into the road. They seem to be targeting older water meters.”
She added that scrapyards should not be buying stolen property.
“Scrapyards should not buy this from these people, they should know it’s council property. They are enabling these people instead of refusing to buy it and reporting them.”
Unity Jacobs commented that thieves are targeting the old metal meters only.
“They are after the old meters because it’s metal, they can sell it to the scrap dealers.”
Ania Horne, who is from Lakeview, said they had no water on Monday 25 April after their water meter was stolen the previous day.
“My water meter was stolen Sunday night, I had no water on Monday and had to go to the police station for a case number. It was fixed on Tuesday. I stay in Lakeview, but they are busy stealing in all areas.”
Horne added that thieves left her neighbour’s plastic water meter and opted to steal their metal one instead.
“My meter and my neighbours meter is next to each other, they left his one because his one is plastic, mine was metal.”
Meanwhile Danielle Abrahams said their water meter was stolen last year and only replaced this year.
In a statement on 26 April, Steenberg police confirmed that there has been a rise in theft of copper cables and water meters.
“Steenberg police have seen an increase in the theft of water meters and the theft of copper cables.
“This morning at about 02:00, members of Steenberg police arrested a 24-year-old male for the possession of a stolen water meter in 6th Avenue, Retreat.
“Steenberg police has reason to believe that this suspect can be linked to other cases that occurred during April.”
- Anyone with any information that can lead to the arrest of suspects, who are stealing water meters, are urged to call Steenberg police on 021 702 9000, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MYSAPS App to send information anonymously.
