THEFT OF CABLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20114, 27 November 1928, Page 12

THEFT OF CABLE.

LOSS TO POWER BOARD. " POSITION NEVER SO BAD." EFFORTS TO TRACE OFFENDERS. Extensive thefts of power cables from construct ion work wore reported to the. Auckland Electric-Power Board yesterday by the general manager, Mr. It,. H. Bartley. It was stated that since October 1, "an epidemic of thieving" had broken out, and on six occasions lengths of cable to the total value, of £43 had disappeared. Mr. Hartley said the cables could not be conveniently housed and a temptation was offered which could not very well be removed. Wherever possildo facilities were provided for locking up small articles and coils of cable when portable, but this was almost impossible with large drums of cable. Asked where the thieves disposed of the property, Mr. Barllev said the cable was cut up and kept until it looked fairly old and then was probably sold to foundries. The stolen property was difficult to trace, "I do not think the position has been so bad before," said Mr. Bartley. "The thieves have been busy practically thioughout the month." It was stated jobs were often very scattered, and to keep a strict watch would need the employment of about 12 watchmen One case of theft mentioned was the removal of cable from a drum in Fanshawc Street in broad daylight, the material being taken away in a cart. Mr. Bartley said measures taken to stop the thefts included the setting up of a jystern ol patrois. Reports had been made to the police in every instance, and every endeavour was being made to trace the offenders. The report was received, a continuance of the efforts to check the thefts being urged.