REPORT cable theft, Buffalo City has urged its residents, as a task team works tirelessly to clamp down on the problem.

Theft of copper cables predominantly occurs in Duncan Village, Cambridge, Arnoldton and around the airport.

The task team includes officials from the City's revenue protection unit, the electricity operations law enforcement unit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the appointed electricity contractor.

Seven suspects were arrested recently for allegedly stealing copper and lead sheath worth R400. "Copper and lead sheath was identified at a scrap metal dealer in town as being identical to that which was stolen and the suspects confessed to committing the crime," said Chris Gower from the City's electricity department.

The new legislated Second Hand Goods Bill required that dealers recorded the identity numbers of people selling copper to them "and in this case the vehicle transporting the goods was also identified as transporting [other] goods that were identified in numerous [other] copper sale transactions".

According to the electricity department, copper cable theft cost the municipality millions of rand each year – money that "could be spent on service delivery".

"Copper cable theft affects ratepayers negatively because it is costly to fix the problems, and these costs have to be borne by [ratepayers]," explained the director of engineering services, Nceba Ncunyana. "It also affects business production and ultimately the economy as a whole."

Residents are urged to report suspicious dealings to the electricity department on 043 705 9214 / 9120 or at any police station, or on the SAPS emergency number on 10111. "If caught, suspects will be charged with theft and vandalism," said Gower.