| Abstrakt: |
South Africa has witnessed a remarkable increase in copper cable theft over the past five years, which has had a severe impact on the critical infrastructure in telecommunications, electric power supplies, municipalities, and railways. The railway sector has been the most affected industry, accounting for 75% of all cable-theft-related economic losses in state-owned companies. Constant threats to railway infrastructure security have led to unreliable rail networks, train delays, and operational and safety risks, which threaten the sustainability of the railway sector in South Africa. This study aims to investigate the strategies used to combat cable theft and the reasons for their failure to implement them effectively. To achieve this objective, an online survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative and qualitative information on current cable theft prevention strategies and challenges from experienced railway professionals. The survey received thirty-one responses from participants sampled using the snowball method. Statistical analysis of the survey results indicated that the most common strategies for preventing cable theft include the use of patrolling officers, access control, scrap regulation, and robotic surveillance. The challenges experienced in preventing cable theft are linked to failures of security personnel, security systems, scrap sale regulations, and law enforcement. The study recommended that railway companies diversify their strategies by including more of the less commonly used tactics, such as micro-dot marking, CCTV surveillance, wireless network systems, alarm systems, and community awareness campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
