Copper crooks targeted the Bahamas Telecommunication Corporation again, this time cutting through a chain-link fence and stealing away with a considerable amount of wires from the Midway Cell Tower.
BTC officials discovered the theft at their tower, which is situated between High Rock and Pelican Point, around 4:00 a.m. Friday and informed police.
“BTC was experiencing some problems out here and as a result came and checked out the site and they found that the copper wires were stolen,” Inspector Terecita Pinder of Police Affairs and Communications Office revealed.
Pinder pointed out the warning sign to news crews displayed at the front of the fence which reads, “DANGER, High voltage,” which, she adds, would be a clear indication that the area is restricted.
Nonetheless, the culprit or culprits made their way around to the eastern side of the site and used a cutting device and gained access to the area.
“Obviously the person who went into this area had to have some kind of experience and knowledge on what to do and how to go about doing it and, (they) had to have the equipment to do what they did.
Thieves also struck at least two other BTC sites and the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas site earlier this year, resulting in the temporary disconnection of ZNS 810 Radio in Grand Bahama and 104.5 FM.
Inspector Pinder said the police are aggressively investigating the matter and appealing to the general public to come forward with any information they may have to assist.
Someone knows and has seen something, she said.
“This is becoming really a nuisance whereas scrupulous persons are going into these areas, removing copper wire and disabling services that we need,” she said.
“What we are appealing to the public for (is) anybody with any information. You may have heard something, seen something or know of someone who may have some information that can help us and assist us in this investigation. We’re asking you to call us, contact us; this cannot be allowed to continue.”
Two weeks ago, Copper thieves caused tens of thousands of dollars in damages after stripping the electrical wiring from the circle at the airport.
They not only damaged the electrical installation, but the sprinkler system which feeds off the electrical system as well.
In fact, Grand Bahama Port Authority City Manager Troy McIntosh revealed that because of this thriving industry, thieves have stepped up their enterprise and are now targeting street signs as a way to supplement their income.
At last count, a little over 300 had been stolen off their posts.
By Lededra Marche
Freeport News Editor
