Quoting the Copper Theft Barometer, Sacci chief executive officer Neren Rau said thieves stole copper of R34.7 million in March compared to R27.5 millionlast month.

"The reduction in April is certainly a welcome signal that policing efforts against copper theft and increased vigilance among stakeholders are paying off in the fight against copper theft," Rau said in a statement.

He said the outlook on copper theft in South Africa over the next six months looked positive.

"Conversations between law enforcement officials and stakeholders in the security industry all indicate that there is heightened focus on clamping down on copper theft due in large part to the full implementation of the Second-Hand Goods Act," he said.