Crime Trend: Thieves Now Targeting Street Light Poles

Fidelity ADT calls on residents of Amanzimtoti and Phoenix to heighten their home and personal security vigilance and promptly report any suspicious activities to local authorities and private security firms, as thieves are targeting street light poles. In recent reports, a concerning new crime trend has emerged where thieves are targeting street light poles and stripping them for steel and wiring. These incidents typically occur during load shedding between midnight and 4 a.m. Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT, elaborated on the matter.

This disturbing trend has been observed in Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti, Eastbury and Palmview in the Phoenix area, with multiple incidents reported in the past two weeks.

Hattingh explained, “Cable thieves wait for load-shedding, and as soon as the power goes off, they either break the concrete light poles with a four-pound hammer or cut the cables using a battery-powered tool.”

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In response to this growing concern, Fidelity ADT has partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local Community Policing Forum (CPF) to conduct regular hotspot patrols during load shedding to deter such criminal activities.

SAPS has strongly urged residents to maintain high vigilance and immediately report suspicious activities to the police or their private security company. They are also encouraged to actively participate in their community security WhatsApp groups to enhance safety and security.

Source: Crime trend reveals thieves are now targeting street light poles

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