KARACHI, June 11: Karachi Electric Supply Company has expressed great concern over the continuing incidents of conductor theft from extra high tension transmission circuits and demanded immediate crackdown on the organized wire theft racket.
In a major theft incident during early hours of June 11, unknown criminals stole around 20 meters of precious copper wire from BQPS-II/KCR transmission circuit with the help of axe in Landhi area. They also damaged another 25 meters of the wire. The theft tripped the circuit as well as a turbine at BQPS-II due to cascading effect. Immediate action was taken to restore the tripped transmission circuit and power generation turbine.
After noticing flash and bang at the theft location in Lala Abad location, KESC’s mobile security staff rushed to the spot and fired gunshots, forcing the miscreants to flee. The thieves disappeared in the nearby residential area that made it obvious that they belonged to the same place. The thieves also left behind a domestic electric tester. KESC has reported the matter to Sukhan Police Station.
On June 1, two low tension leads of blue and neutral phases were stolen and base grip broken from PIDC Flats substation in Clifton area. Two 240mm lugs, two HRC fuses and two 240m ferules were also found missing. On May 31, two low tension bus bars were stolen from Arambagh substation. On May 29, unknown thieves broke the lock of KCHS D substation in Mohammad Ali Society and stole a side trolley of Johnson and Philips make. On May 23, one lead of yellow phase was stolen from Bath Island Flat substation.
KESC said that despite regular demands and written requests to the city administration and law enforcement agencies, there had been no let up in the theft incidents involving loss of copper wire and other precious equipment. The continuing menace had not only been disturbing smooth transmission and supply of electricity to the City but was also causing huge undue financial burden on the already hard pressed power utility. KESC demanded immediate crackdown over the organized groups of criminals and copper selling junk dealers to bring the issue to an end.
