14 local men were apprehended, suspected to be involved in several cable theft cases from January to April this year at several locations throughout the country. The Royal Brunei Police Force stated early investigation revealed that said activities were carried out by separate groups.

The arrests were made via joint operations between Police District and other enforcement agencies as well as the cooperation of the security personnel of the company involved. Criminal activities that damages public infrastructures, including government-owned utilities and telecommunication companies cause service disruption for the public. The estimated total loss exceeded 300 thousand Brunei dollars.

Among the arrests made were three suspects aged 26 to 56 who were detained following the cable theft case involving property of the Department of Electrical Services in Bukit Saeh, Kampung Lumapas. In Tutong District, three suspects aged 38, 40 and 50 were apprehended on the 19th of March, suspected of being involved in the cable theft case in Kampung Padnunok. Two other suspects, a 36-year-old father and his 14-year-old son were detained by Temburong Police District on the 3rd of March for electrical cable theft case at a stone washing company in Kampung Selangan.

Whereas in Belait District, three local men aged 21 to 39 were arrested on the 4th and 7th of April for suspected involvement in several cases of damage to fibre optic cable belonging to UNN in Labi. On the 6th of April, Brunei Muara Police District detained three more men aging 16, 23 and 34 in connection to several electrical cable theft case in the areas of Kampung Lumapas, Kampung Mentiri and Kampung Beribi.

The public is reminded to always be vigilant, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities via hotline 993.