THERE'S value in the copper commonly found in electrical and telecommunications cables, which makes them a target for thieves.
Unfortunately, such crimes disrupt power distribution and telco services, leading to service or supply disruptions and costly repairs.
This understandably prompts swift action from the authorities to nip such crimes in the bud.
It was claimed in a recent viral video that suspected cable thieves targeted a location in Taiping on Sunday (Nov 16) – and this attempt came just two days after another bid to swipe wiring at the same spot.
Did would-be cable thieves try to hit the same location twice in a short span?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Bernama reports that police arrested two suspected cable thieves at the Jalan Kamunting-Batu Kurau traffic junction near Taiping Vocational College on Sunday (Nov 16).
Taiping OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Nasir Ismail said the suspects, aged 24 and 34, were picked up by the district Criminal Investigation Department after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
He said both men had criminal records, with 10 and one offences each, mostly linked to cable theft cases in the district.
Police also seized a black pickup truck believed to have been used in the theft, with the suspects remanded for four days under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
"I urge the public to continue sharing information with the police to enable swift action and help maintain public safety and order," ACP Nasir said.
The arrests came just two days after a teenager's tip-off led to four men being caught in the act of attempted cable theft at the same site on Friday (Nov 14).
The four suspects were caught trying to pry open a manhole cover at the junction. Police also seized specialised tools and a car.
