RAMPANT CRIME has forced Spoornet to take decisive action to limit theft and delays to its clients' cargo.
Two recent campaigns are evidence that it means business.
In December Operation Copper Cat and Operation Xmas went into action because of the increase in crime over the festive season.
The aim of Copper Cat was to clamp down on copper theft. Operation Xmas used security staff to prevent the theft of goods in transit, specifically pilfering from containers.
"We are all troubled at
the level of crime in our country and we are all aware of the negative impact this has had on our national economy," said spokesman Fikile Komotolo.
"Theft and crime in the country have grown to such an extent that our competitiveness, efficiency and predictable service are under severe pressure.
"The problem we face is how to develop a basis for action, to consistently deliver the promises to customers when trains cannot run because the overhead cable has been stolen, or the deliveries are late, or damaged goods are delivered, or empty containers are delivered because the container has been ransacked," she said.
The December campaigns were clearly designed to address these issues, but there are several other crime prevention tactics in place to ensure safe passage for goods in transit. These include:
- Specific security operations on individual trains or trucks;
- The "bath tubs" principle where both doors of the container are placed in a bath-style kind of truck making it difficult to open the doors;
- Door-to-door loading and stacking meaning containers are loaded with doors facing one another when stacked;
- Special security on special trains especially those with high-value goods;
- Hot spot operation which involves the identification of the worst crime spots and the beefing up of security;
- The South African Police Services have been placed at some sites such as City Deep;
- A new project team consisting of customs officials, Spoornet and the private sector have joined hands in fighting crime on goods trains.
"The list is endless. Spoornet has really gone the extra mile to ensure safety of clients' goods. We are asking the public to report any illegal activities to the nearest police station or on Spoornet's toll free number - 0800 117 997, " said Komotolo.
By Anna Cox
