VINLEC commends civilian effort in apprehending copper thief
St Vincent Electricity Services Limited is again appealing to persons to desist from stealing copper from the companyâs network, following the imprisonment of one man for the said offence.{{more}}
VINLEC is commending the efforts of a civilian who made a citizenâs arrest after he observed a man stealing the copper from a pole. The incident occurred in the Kingstown area on Friday, July 4.
The citizen called the Police, who then arrested and charged the man. When the man appeared at the Kingstown Magistrateâs Court on Monday, July 14, he was ordered to pay $500 forthwith, or face imprisonment of four months. Reports reaching VINLEC indicate that the man was unable to pay the fine and was imprisoned.
While copper theft affects VINLEC financially, VINLEC is especially concerned with the Safety implications associated with this illegal practice. When the copper is removed, the electrical system is compromised and this can result in injuries and possibly death. The metal is used on the Transmission and Distribution Network and other areas of the companyâs system to deliver electricity to customers. It is also used as a grounding system to protect the public and workers.
In recent years, the rise in the price of copper has resulted in the increase in the incidents of copper theft from VINLEC. VINLEC is reminding persons that copper theft is illegal and that people can be prosecuted for this offense. The company is seeking the assistance from the public to join its efforts to have this problem eradicated. People who observe any such activity can report it by calling the emergency number 45-61540.
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