Scrap yards under scrutiny

Weekly statement on Rail Enforcement Unit – a joint media release between Metrorail, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Provincial Government

The Rail Enforcement Unit (REU) this past week conducted 121 inspections. Read more below:

With the focus on curtailing metal theft in the rail environment, the REU conducted a series of inspections of scrap yards, bucket shops and hotspots this past week. Arrests were made in the Woodstock and Claremont-Rondebosch area.

Metrorail Western Cape Regional manager Richard Walker says collaboration is a positive step towards restoring the general public’s faith in rail: “We have seen how crime is displaced from one area to another as soon as we clamp down. The areas where the REU’s arrests were made this past week are known for anti-social behaviour, a source of concern to both residents and businesses. We remain open to joint initiatives and will engage the Chamber of Commerce and residents’ associations with a view to join the fight against crime”.

‘I’m eager to see more commuters returning to rail. The REU’s efforts to curtail metal theft will, over time, resonate in a more stable and reliable rail service which will ensure that this mode of transport becomes the first choice for those who are travelling to and from work. A shift from road-based transport to rail will assist to alleviate the congestion on Cape Town’s roads during the peak-hour periods. This will have a big influence on our residents’ quality of life because the less time they spend on travelling, the more time they will have with their loved ones,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.

‘We are pleased to see the Rail Enforcement Unit (REU) continuing to focus sharply on criminal activity that is targeting the rail.  I believe the work being done by the REU will go a long way towards discouraging would-be criminals from stealing property and damaging Metrorail infrastructure. It is important that commuters’ confidence in rail is immediately restored, and that safety within the rail network remains top of mind”, said Minister of Transport and Public Works and Chairperson of the RMTT, Donald Grant.

The public can assist these efforts by reporting crime and vandalism, as this forms part of the intelligence that drives deployment and operations.

Illicit and suspicious activity may be reported to any number listed below:

Rewards of up to R25 000 are payable for information leading to successful conviction.