JRA hits back against infrastructure crooks

[schumi]

Johannesburg - There’s a new crime-busting unit in town and it is aimed at putting an end to the economic sabotage of Joburg’s road and power infrastructure which costs the city over R6 million a year.

With 18 new Joburg metro police department (JMPD) officials and 10 vehicles, all dedicated to stopping the scourge of theft and vandalism of manhole covers, stormwater covers, road signs and bridge handrails, the new specialist unit was unveiled by the Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) on Thursday.

Since the 2013/14 financial year, the JRA has spent more than R250m in replacing and repairing damaged and stolen infrastructure.

More at:http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/jra-hits-back-against-infrastructure-crooks-2024280

 

[TheChamp]

Good move, but why 18 official and 10 cars?, why not put more resources to fight the problem?

 

[genetic]

Good move, but why 18 official and 10 cars?, why not put more resources to fight the problem?

The unit will focus on the big players: the dealers and syndicates that buy stolen cables or metal at rock-bottom prices from pedlars.

There aren't 1000's of dealers. A small efficient team is all that is needed to focus on the big guys.

 

[HavocXphere]

Bridge handrails?

How on earth is that profitable? Surely they're just sheet metal

 

[midnightcaller]

There aren't 1000's of dealers. A small efficient team is all that is needed to focus on the big guys.

^^^^^^This
You hit the nail on the head.

 

[genetic]

Bridge handrails?

How on earth is that profitable? Surely they're just sheet metal

Handrails are made from sheet metal? :wtf:

They're usually made from galvanised steel piping.

 

[dunkyd]

Bridge handrails?

How on earth is that profitable? Surely they're just sheet metal

Thick steel piping !!!

 

[LazyLion]

It's amazing the tenacity and thoroughness of these thieves. Take a drive down the Joburg M2 one day from East to West and back and take note of everything that has been stolen.
All the handrails, storm cover drain, gap covers on the bridges, etc. It's incredible.
Then go into the suburbs themselves and notice also all the robots and street signs grinded off on their poles right by the ground.
Manhole covers, drain covers... all dragged away in full view of the public.
I hope these guys are actually going to do some work, and not just park off at KFC all day like the rest of the JMPD.