Muscat: Despite an intensive awareness campaign mounted by Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC), theft and vandalism targeting power network facilities and cables continue unabated, according to a press release from the company.

"While many components of the power distribution infrastructure are subject to tampering and theft, the most vulnerable have been electricity distribution networks," said Zahran Al Ruqaishi, Corporate Communication Specialist at MEDC.

Since the start of the year, cases of theft and vandalism targeting distribution networks have climbed in trend with rising international commodity prices, chiefly copper, according to the release.

So far, the nationwide campaign launched by MEDC with the support of other distribution firms has had little impact on the phenomenon. The campaign was initiated after a joint meeting to explore possible options to protect power distribution facilities and to chalk out an action plan.

The matter was also discussed at another meeting of HSE and asset managers. At the meeting, the participants appealed to the government to regulate the sale of copper.

The participants at the meeting agreed on preventive measures such as patrols of sites prone to thefts and tampering, improved lighting at plants, replacing old locks with tamper-resistant locks, and installing CCTVs and other remote-controlled devices.

A key solution reached at the meeting was based on a proposal by MEDC to hold a national forum of all affected companies, such as telecom companies, suppliers and service providers. It was also agreed to tap international experts for their views on tackling tampering and theft.

Towards this end, MEDC plans to hold an awareness workshop for companies and individuals dealing with scrap. The workshop, which will be held in collaboration with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), is designed to familiarise the trade about the rules and regulations governing the sale of scrap.

Theft of copper cable is a crime punishable by law, according to the Public Prosecution, as it represents an infringement of state property. Thieves shall be punished according to Article No 278 of the Omani Penal Code.

Moreover, Article 279 of the same law prescribes jail terms ranging from three months to three years and a fine ranging from RO 10 to RO 500. Tampering with electrical facilities also attracts penal provisions.

"On receiving a complaint from the respective entity regarding a stolen or damaged electrical cable, the Public Prosecution questions the suspects. Then the evidence is examined and the culprits are charged with the tampering violation. The culprits are referred to the respective court to be prosecuted under Omani laws," the Public Prosecution said in a statement.

The Public Prosecution has urged utilities to take precautionary measures, such as storing cables in special warehouses equipped with alarms, conducting site patrols in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and initiating media campaigns to raise awareness.

Al Ruqaishi said the company has translated the guidelines regulating the sale of scrap into English, Hindi and Urdu to help workers at scrap shops understand the rules. Brochures and leaflets have been distributed to enlist the support of the community in fighting the menace.