The City of Cape Town\u2019s libraries are facing an onslaught of burglaries and vandalism, with the Tafelsig Library being the latest facility left counting the cost of the damages.<\/p>\n
The Tafelsig Library was burgled in the early hours of Sunday, 18 December when intruders gained access to the facility through the roof.<\/p>\n
Apart from damage to the roof and computer cables, the thieves made off with a number of items including processing units, SmartCape computers, a monitor, a media screen, a smart television, a desk telephone and a USB speaker.<\/p>\n
The cost of this latest incident is still being calculated.<\/p>\n
\u2018The unabated onslaught on our libraries cannot continue. Costs linked to vandalism and theft, just since July, will surpass the R2 million mark by the end of this year. This includes the R1 million we\u2019ll spend on security.<\/p>\n
\u2018We shouldn\u2019t have to spend so much money on securing community assets. These facilities are for the benefit of our residents, where our children come to study, learn and interact with each other. It is deplorable that the criminal acts of a few impact the majority,\u2019 said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City\u2019s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.<\/p>\n
Many of the crimes impact on library services, necessitating the temporary closure of the facility, resulting in the unavailability of materials.<\/p>\n
\u2018For many of our patrons, the library is the only quiet space to study or take a break from life\u2019s stress. It\u2019s not only physical items being stolen, but the thieves also rob our students from important access to resources and the community of their comfort zones,\u2019 said Councillor Van der Ross.<\/p>\n
Below is a list of incidents in recent months:
\nLibrary\tDate\tIncident
\nLeonsdale\t8 December\tElectric box broken into and cables stolen resulting in no electricity. Gutter broken and new razor wire cut.
\nBrooklyn\t2022\tFence knocked down by a reckless driver giving thieves access to the property. Copper piping stolen, leaving the library and neighbouring clinic without water for more than two days. The library had to close for the duration.
\nSir Lowry’s Pass\t18 November\tElectric gate damaged, two flood lights smashed and graffiti on walls.
\nMelton Rose\t21 November
\n13 July\tBurglary \u2013 personal computers stolen and power cables vandalised.
\nAir conditioner and steel cage stolen.
\nManenberg\tOctober\tThe back window and garage door damaged by vandals.
\nMaitland\tOctober\tCables outside library stolen and currently no light in the evening.
\nRetreat\t28 April
\n15 and 18 December\tCables stolen.
\nPaving stolen.
\nBellville South\t26 September\tCopper wires from the caged air conditioner stolen and cables from the Wi-Fi antenna cut.
\nDelft South\t16 September\tBurglary \u2013 library equipment stolen and damage to ceiling.
\nContinuous theft of paving, front replaced with tar.
\nRavensmead\t16 September\tCable outside library cut, no service delivery for four days.
\nOcean View\t16 September\tFront door handle and central processing unit stolen.
\nFish Hoek\t30 August\tSmartCape CPU stolen
\nMacassar\t16 August\tBarbed wire fencing stolen.
\nValhalla Park\tThree incidents between 12 August and 23 September\tCopper piping at the back of air conditioner removed.
\nGutter at staff entrance cut, used by children to get on to the library roof.
\nMasiphumelele\t28 July\tBack door lock broken, solar panel removed.
\nGrassy Park\t21 July\tStopcock cut in front of library, one metre of copper piping stolen.
\nNyanga\t17 June\tArmed robbery<\/p>\n
\u2018We\u2019re going to spend money on replacing the stolen items and securing facilities. This is money we could have used for other essential services. There are no winners when libraries are vandalised or burgled. Communities must take ownership of these spaces and work with the City to put an end to these crimes,\u2019 added Councillor Van der Ross.<\/p>\n
Anonymous tip-offs welcomed: call 0800 11 00 77 or the South African Police Service.<\/p>\n
Source: City Of Cape Town<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"