More evidence has been uncovered of electricity thieves using high technology in order to avoid being detected by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). A statement from the company Sunday night said its crews in Portmore recently came across a sophisticated device which allowed the electricity consumed by seven air conditioning units in a house, to go undetected by the JPS meter. It was found buried in the yard. JPS said this is a departure from the practice of embedding various devices in the walls and ceilings of buildings - and is the second such case to be found since last year.
During operations in St. Catherine, JPS crews removed more than 650 throw-ups on JPS power lines in Old Harbour Glades, Spring Village and Berkshire Hall.
Meanwhile, JPS is reporting that 12 persons were arrested last week in a pre-dawn anti-theft operation in Clarendon. The raid, which was carried out in collaboration with the security forces, took place in Mocho and surrounding communities. Scores of throw-ups were removed.
Keith Garvey, JPS Region South Director, said the effort to stamp out electricity theft will continue in earnest in that division as the power company tries to regularise consumers.
JPS has recorded a significant increase in reports of electricity theft via its Stoptheft phone line. The e-mail hotline - stoptheft@jpsco.com - has also been a source of intelligence in the fight against electricity thieves.