Metrorail Western Cape has acquired data dot technology to help combat cable theft and theft of other assets, according to regional manager Lindelo Matya.
He explained that data dot technology entails tagging assets with microscopic unique identification dots that allow the assets to be easily traced back to the original owner.
“Invisible to the naked eye, microscopic dots are revealed under ultraviolet light, and [are] impossible to remove from items marked in this way. The technology is widely used in investigation, prosecution and [the] successful conviction of theft.”
Metrorail says it is encouraged by the proven results of the technology, as it will enable police to confiscate stolen assets, make it very difficult for thieves to sell their stolen wares, and reduce the likelihood of crime.
“These preventative measures will contribute to reducing opportunities to commit crime and reduce the lucrative stolen goods market.”
Trains cancelled
“The most obvious target remains cables; however, many items including rail clips, track circuits, apparatus cases, copper bond, jumper cables between carriages, signal heads (lights) and strip point machine motors are sought after,” says Metrorail.
It adds that the majority of items stolen are unique to the rail industry and not readily available in the open market.
“Over the last six months, vandalism caused 4 950 trains to be delayed, and 211 trains have had to be cancelled as a direct result. On any given weekday, up to 27 trains are delayed by theft/vandalism incidents.”
The Gautrain was crippled twice within one week in August due to cable theft.
Crippling productivity
Matya said the technology intervention will be supported by improved surveillance and security. He also announced other measures taken by Metrorail to combat theft of its assets.
There will be more robust casings to prevent and discourage vandalism. Hardened steel casings, developed by regional engineers, will safeguard track boxes and apparatus cases. Engineers also developed more robust locks that have already proven less vulnerable to thieving hands.
Although the direct cost of vandalism over the last 12 months in the Western Cape region is “conservatively calculated” at R9 million, according to Metrorail, Matya said the knock-on effect of lost productivity due to thousands of commuters arriving late at work is much more.
“Good workers wholly dependent on rail transport and employment in a depressed economy are being compromised as a result of the selfish actions of thieves being harboured within the very communities that suffer at their hands.”
Metrorail is encouraging anyone with information regarding theft to report it by SMSing crime tip-offs to 32211; calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or Metrorail Protection Services on (021) 449 4336; or contacting the City of Cape Town's Transport Information Centre at transport.info@capetown.gov.za or 0800 656 463.
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