Elderly Man Arrested in Lashio for Stealing Cut Electrical Wire

Elderly Man Arrested for Cutting and Stealing Power Lines in Lashio

October 5

In Lashio Township, northern Shan State, an elderly man who cut and stole power lines was surrounded and arrested by local residents and handed over to the police force under the military junta, it is learned.

The incident occurred on the night of October 3 near a power substation in Ward (9), Area (1), Lashio Township, and the arrested man is said to be around 50 years old, stating that he did it for his livelihood.

"Lately, we've been hearing about power line thefts frequently. The thieves either strip the cables or burn them and sell the copper inside. The copper price is good too. As making a living has become difficult, I think they're just doing whatever they can. Cutting and stealing power lines is actually very dangerous — you could accidentally get electrocuted and die," a local woman told MyoTaw.

In Lashio Township, due to the continuous occurrence of group kidnappings, home invasions, armed robberies, and thefts, local residents are said to be worried and alarmed about their travel and security.

On August 13 last month, there was also an incident in Mawlamyine Township, Nyaung Pin Seik Ward, Industrial Zone (16th) Street, where a man was electrocuted to death while cutting and stealing a hanging power line.

MyoTaw News Channel