Cable theft has cost South African telecommunications services firm Telkom R200-million during its 2015 financial year.

In a statement the company said R100-million was incurred as a result of direct cable theft repair and an additional R107-million was spent on security services.

"Copper theft has become a more sophisticated crime over the past few years. These criminals now target our manholes armed with customised heavy duty vehicles, allowing them to hitch the cable to the vehicle and drive out kilometres of cable, cutting off thousands of customers, in a single incident," explains Telkom's Group Executive for Communication Jacqui O'Sullivan.

"We face a unique set of challenges when it comes to copper cable theft. For example, there are areas in the Western Cape where gang violence sometimes makes it dangerous for us to send technicians into the area to replace stolen cables. In many high-theft areas, cable is repeatedly stolen, sometimes within days after replacements or repairs."

"It is clear that the price of copper and its strong demand in international markets, are catalysts of this crime. Analysis indicates that increases in theft incidents approximately tracks the level of the copper price – usually with a two to three month lag," explains O'Sullivan.

The company is ramping up efforts to migrate customers to wireless and fibre technologies in the wake of over 6000 incidents of theft across its copper network.

According to Telkom it has migrated approximately 4000 customers in cable theft hotspots. It has also invested in securing its network with armed response, cable alarming and collaboration with the South African Police Service.