Power generator thieves alarm DPS

Police are not only worried about the theft of copper wire from downed Commonwealth Utilities Corp. power poles but also from those stealing power generators.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero is urging the community to be very vigilant against thieves.

He said incidents of theft of power generators are starting to be a thing of concern for DPS due to darkness at night in the absence of electric power.

The commissioner said individuals who own generators should be aware that if their generators go off, they should got out and check them if they are still there.

Deleon Guerrero disclosed that there had been incidents reported recently, where a couple of generators had been stolen.

“The owners thought [the generator] ran out of fuel. When they got out there, it’s gone,” he said. “It’s advisable to go out and check if the generator is still there.”

Deleon Guerrero advised owners to make sure they secure their generators.

“If you have housing for it, it’s more perfect. If not, you may get a big chain and chain it to pole or something. Don’t just leave your generator that is clearly visible from the road or those passing by,” he said.

The commissioner said a power generator is a hot commodity now and is generating interest from thieves.

“It’s ridiculous, what’s is happening nowadays,” he said.

On another note, Deleon Guerrero urged members of the community being approached by individuals trying to sell generators to contact police.

The commissioner said they want to recover those stolen generators.

“It’s very unusual at this point to actually be going around and trying to sell generators. Unless in a situation really desperate for anyone. I don’t see any reason why anyone would be going around try to sell a generator at this point,” he said.

He also warned against stealing a generator that belongs to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Trust me, if we catch you, we are more than happy to work whichever federal law enforcement agency to ensure the maximum punishment is administered to that offender,” Deleon Guerrero said.

Last week, DPS revealed that police recovered about 100 kilos of copper wire stolen from downed CUC poles. The investigation is ongoing.

DPS on Thursday also released statistics on complaints that the department received since Aug. 2 (when Soudelor hit) up to Aug. 19.

Deleon Guerrero said there were a total of 555 complaints filed since Soudelor, from traffic accidents to assault and battery and other crimes.

Of the 555 complaints, most were disturbing the peace, burglary and theft, and vehicular accidents. Most of the incidents happened in Garapan, where 120 cases were reported.