Carmona targeted again as thieves steal $180k underground electrical cables

Carmona targeted again as thieves steal $180,000 in underground electrical cables

Former President Anthony Carmona has once again fallen victim to criminal activity after thieves stole an estimated $180,000 worth of electrical cables from his country home in Siparia over the long weekend.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on March 27, when approximately 50 metres of 3×95 black XLP electrical cable and 170 metres of 3×35 XLP cable were removed from the property. The cables, which were installed underground and connected the meter system to the house, were cut and taken after the perpetrators broke through a concrete covering.

In an interview, Carmona described the act as highly organised, suggesting the individuals involved had prior knowledge of both the installation and the value of the materials.

“I have been the victim of multiple break-ins here,” he said, noting that the property has been repeatedly targeted. He added that the thieves appeared well-prepared, reportedly using tools such as a pickaxe and grinder to carry out the operation.

An electrician familiar with the property indicated that the cable system was not easily accessible, reinforcing the belief that the perpetrators knew exactly where to dig and what to remove. Investigators also noted a visible boot print at the scene, suggesting at least one suspect wore steel-toe boots.

Police responding to the report later intercepted three men carrying cables along Dass Trace. One suspect was detained and charged with larceny, while the other two managed to escape.

Carmona raised concerns about the possibility of a wider criminal network, pointing out that thefts involving electrical infrastructure often require insider knowledge to execute and distribute. He also revealed that in a previous incident, thieves attempted to cut a Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission pole on the property but abandoned the effort after realising it was still live.

Despite installing warning signs about active electricity on the compound, Carmona said criminals continue to target the estate. He is now calling for stronger intervention to address what he described as a growing pattern of organised praedial and property crimes in the area.

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