Electricity Theft Arrests Now at 304 since start of 2015

JPS is reporting that operations carried out in collaboration with members of the security forces, has resulted in the arrest of 304 persons for the illegal abstraction of electricity - since the start of the year, to July 15.  JPS crews have also pulled down 9,512 throw-up lines for the same period. 

This, as crews have been relentlessy pursuing the perpetrators of electricity theft.  On Tuesday July 14, the teams’ latest move saw the St. Catherine community of Windsor Heights in Central Village, being rid of 850 throw-up lines.  One man was arrested, but several others fled from their residences to avoid being associated with the illegal connections. 

On June 30, nine persons were brought before the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate’s Court, for the illegal abstraction of electricity.  Six of them pleaded guilty and were fined an average of $150,000 each or six months in prison.  Following that, on July 1, five persons were brought before the Linstead Resident Magistrate’s Court, with the same charge.  Four pleaded guilty and were also fined an average of $150,000 each. 

JPS is reminding non-paying users of electricity, that regularization is a straight forward process.  The Company is also anticipating that its Community Renewal programme in 7 communities in Kingston, will assist in creating sustained regularization, through public education and practical assistance (such as house wiring), among other measures.