Officials at the Buffalo City Metro have urged its residents to be more alert around people who tamper with water meters and taps.
Spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya says this past weekend alone, 14 water meters were stolen in East London, alone.
He says in the last few months a total of 100 water meters have been stolen or vandalised.
This past weekend, within two hours, meters were stolen in Windyridge Road, Tutton Terrace, Holly street, Winkley and Oakhill Street.
Ngewnya says on top of that 86 taps had been reported stolen in Saxilyby Road in Amalinda alone.
Other targeted areas include Southernwood, Amalinda, Braelyn and Selborne.
BCM says they have managed to arrest two suspects in February but the case was struck off the roll due to a lack of evidence.
Ngewnya says the case is set to be re-opened as all the necessary statements and documents have now been obtained.
The Metro encourages residents to be alert and only allow municipal plumbers, who use branded vehicles and uniform for identification, into their yards.
They are urging communities who use standalone and public taps to be vigilant when people fiddle with taps as the city is losing thousands of litres of water.
Anyone caught in the act of vandalizing water meters will be arrested and prosecuted.
Report such criminal activities to SAPS 10111 or contact BCMM Law Enforcement Services on 043 722 1819.
