PLN sweeps power thieves

JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company supplying Jakarta and Tangerang (PLN Disjaya) has found 61 illegal power connections, during an anti-theft operation it conducted with North Jakarta Police, in the densely populated Tanah Merah area.

Office spokesman Riyo Supriyanto said, in a statement released by Antara on Tuesday, that families whose houses were found illegally plugging in the electricity poles were obliged to register themselves as new customers.

"We have opened a booth to serve people who have subscribed for the new connection," Riyo said.

The operation was also carried out at the request of PLN subscribers in Tanah Merah, he added.

"Illegal electricity connections can endanger the people who use them," he said.

The company also called on people to report any cases of illegal connections to the nearest PLN office. (01)