Cable theft in Plumstead

Sabine Kerrison, Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch Public Relations Officer

Cable theft, particularly the stealing of copper from power lines, is a critical issue in Plumstead and surrounds. Whole streets are left powerless for many hours, at a great cost to replace the stolen infrastructure. 

Local authorities and Eskom are actively working to combat it through awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms and increased presence of police, Support Security Providers (SSPs) and neighbourhood watch patrollers. 

With this in mind, Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch has been on high alert and has asked all members and patrollers to be even more vigilant. The cameras, and the volunteers who monitor them, are already in use and have been most helpful in scanning the streets at all hours of the day and night.

The difficult part is, to catch the perpetrators in the act. What we have found as a watch is by the time we intervene, they are either done with their trespassing and have had a few seconds to discard their implements and loot, or they were interrupted and a crime has been prevented. 

PNW is in the process of equipping the suburb with an increased number of cameras located at strategic points in order to keep an eye virtually on all main areas. To do this, this non-profit organisation is relying on donations and support from all its members and all residents in the area, that benefit from the combined efforts of the registered volunteer patrollers and the private security services. 

Organised fundraisers are also held to meet the monthly running costs of services as well as various projects, of which the camera project is in the foreground. All fundraising projects are listed, as well as the latest highlights.

The newly redesigned website (https://plumsteadwatch.org.za) is user-friendly, and every resident in Plumstead may sign up as a member currently for free. However, it is advised that members also subscribe to a Security Service Provider, as they work very closely with PNW and their duty rosters are 24 hours.

The patrollers registered with Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch are volunteers that give of their time, petrol and go on patrols that fit into their own schedule. Most of them have families and hold jobs. We commend them for their commitment in keeping Plumstead as safe as possible.

It is with this teamwork of SSPs and PNW patrollers, together with SAPS and LE, that crime can be prevented and arrests are made. Early morning patrols are organised, as crime moves with regards to days and times. 

We urge all residents of Plumstead to become involved in whatever way possible.