BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has arrested seven local individuals to assist investigations into a series of cable theft cases.
The arrests were made on Tuesday (June 2) following investigations and follow-up operations conducted by the Brunei-Muara District Police with the assistance of Special Duties personnel as well as officers from the Bandar Seri Begawan and Berakas police stations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that several of the suspects admitted involvement in the activities, including damaging and stealing copper cables believed to have been sold for profit.
Police also uncovered information indicating that several other individuals may have been involved in assisting with the stripping of the stolen cables.
The seven suspects, comprising five men and two women aged between 32 and 43, were detained along with evidence seized during the operation, including cable-cutting equipment.
The case is being investigated under Section 380 and Section 427 of the Penal Code (Chapter 22).
Damaged cables as a result of the theft.
Tools used to cut cables uncovered.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects were involved in other cable theft cases previously reported to the authorities.
The RBPF said it views cable theft as a serious offence as it not only causes financial losses to property owners but can also disrupt public facilities and services.
Members of the public with information related to such criminal activities are urged to contact the nearest police station or call the emergency hotline 993. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
