More than 300 arrested for electricity theft – JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is reporting that operations carried out in collaboration with members of the security forces, have resulted in the arrest of 304 people for the illegal abstraction of electricity, since the start of the year, to July 15.
In a release Sunday, JPS said crews have also pulled down 9,512 throw-up lines for the same period.
The company has said they have been relentless in 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 reportedly arrested, but several others fled from their residences to avoid being associated with the illegal connections.
On June 30, nine people were brought before the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate’s Court for the illegal abstraction of electricity. The JPS said six of them pleaded guilty and were fined an average of J$150,000 each or six months in prison.
Following that, on July 1, five people were brought before the Linstead Resident Magistrate’s Court for the same charge.
Four pleaded guilty and were also reportedly fined an average of J$150,000 each.
JPS, in the release, also reminded non-paying users of electricity that regularisation is a straightforward process.
The company also said it is anticipating that its Community Renewal programme in seven communities in Kingston, will assist in creating sustained regularisation through public education and practical assistance (such as house wiring), among other measures.