THREE men are fined for stealing solar batteries from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) while a fourth is charged for receiving the stolen items.
In a release on Tuesday, T&TEC stated that Bryden Persad and Audho Ramadhar, both of Kernaham Village, Mayaro, along with Dinesh Persad, of Nariva Road, Manzanilla, pleaded guilty to the to the larceny of solar light from 43 poles along the Manzanilla Road.
George Alleyne, also of Nariva Road, pleaded guilty of receiving stolen goods.
They appeared virtually on September 6 before Magistrate Ava Vandenburg-Bailey at the Mayaro Magistrates’ Court and were fined. If they fail to pay, they would serve three months’ hard labour.
Reports stated that on June 10, 169 Deka solar 12-volt batteries were reported as being stolen to the Mayaro Police Station from along the Manzanilla Road.
The batteries power solar LED streetlights along the “Manzanilla stretch” and were removed from 43 poles installed in 2018 aimed to improve road safety for motorists at night, the T&TEC release stated.
A taskforce created by Senior Supt Joseph Chandool of the Eastern Division, executed several search warrants and interviews conducted.
On September 5, the four men were charged.
The task force comprised Mayaro CID/TF, the Eastern Division Special Operations Unit under acting Sgt Niam Mohammed and T&TEC Inspector Dean Richards, acting Sgt Arnold Cambridge and acting Cpl Lauren John represented T&TEC under head of Security Harrilal Ramdewar.
T&TEC warned members of the public that, “Pursuant to the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission Act, Chapter 54:70, it is a criminal offence to tamper with the Commission’s electricity installations.
“The Commission will investigate any reports of tampering and/or theft and bring legal action against those found guilty.”
Concerned citizens who are aware of illegal activities are asked to contact T&TEC’s Security Department at 663-8832 ext. 2388/ 2386.
