Scrap metal situation becomes uncontrollable

Electric cables, telephone cables, manhole covers, water meters, road signs, tyre rims and even pots.

These types of items have all become targets of the scrap metal thieves who are stealing anything that can be sold to the scrap metal companies.

The situation is becoming almost uncontrollable with the thieves now targeting telephone cables that is affecting services in some areas.

How can this illegal practice be stopped?

Some have said that it is about time that the scrap metal industry is regulated so that even people buying these stolen items are taken to task.

Police have stepped up its operation to clamp down on the scrap metal thieves and the operators who may be directly involved with them.

There is now confirmation that 58 people were arrested and taken to the Lautoka Police Station yesterday as part of Operation Copperfield.

Police Spokesperson Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said these people are alleged to have been handling stolen copper wires and pieces of metal and are now being investigated.

Meanwhile a scrap metal dealer in Lautoka was also taken to the Lautoka Police Station after large quantities of copper wires were found in their company yard.

The operation started after the TFL management met with the Police in relation to the theft of their telephone cables.

Investigations continue and no one has been charged as yet.


Story by: Vijay Narayan and Praneeta Deo