The 100 LPA Housing Estate in Draa Ben Khedda was targeted overnight Wednesday to Thursday by copper pipe thieves who severed connections to gas meters supplying local households.
The perpetrators appeared to act with specialized plumbing knowledge, according to initial findings by a Sonelgaz technical team dispatched to the scene.
At least nine copper pipes were cut at the meter level, cutting off gas service to nine families. Affected residents were notably unable to use their stoves to prepare breakfast on Thursday morning.
According to Sonelgaz representatives, necessary repairs must be carried out, with costs billed to the affected customers despite their status as victims of the theft. Full restoration of gas service to the building was expected today, Friday, or tomorrow.
As a safety precaution, Sonelgaz technicians removed the gas meters to store them securely at company facilities.
Copper theft in the area is not isolated to this single property. Le Jeune Independant learned that on Monday, August 24, two buildings in the 1,000 Housing Estate—specifically Buildings No. 29 and No. 38—were similarly targeted by copper thieves.
A few days earlier, a residential building for medical staff experienced a nighttime break-in. Local sources estimate that at least 40 homes have been affected by these thefts.
Investigators are working to determine whether the crimes were committed by a single individual or an organized ring, as well as whether internal accomplices were involved.
Copper remains a prime target due to its high resale value. Local hardware suppliers report that a three-meter copper pipe can fetch up to 8,000 DZD.
Victims have filed official police complaints. Law enforcement agencies are now leading the investigation to identify suspects, establish exact timelines, and determine legal liability.
The recurring thefts have raised widespread concern among residents, who fear further break-ins and the hazardous operational disruptions caused by severed gas lines.