The Copper Theft Barometer decreased for the first time last month since February, the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has said.<\/p>\n
Copper theft decreased to R12.2 million in June compared to R15.4m in May.<\/p>\n
This equated to 166 metric tons of stolen copper in June, from 214 metric tons in May.<\/p>\n
“It is too early as yet to determine whether the decline is a temporary dip in the recent upward trend, or possibly a positive indication of a downward trend reset,” it said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The barometer had previously shown three consecutive months of theft increases.<\/p>\n
At the time Sacci called for a specialised copper theft unit.<\/p>\n
“The outlook for copper theft levels for 2014 remains concerning despite the decrease in June,” Sacci stated.<\/p>\n
“As noted previously, a dedicated national copper theft police unit can play an important role in prosecuting larger criminal syndicates.”<\/p>\n
KykNET fined R30,000 for Tourette\u2019s skit<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n