The Tribune

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company has been a victim of “copper theft,” which has caused some disruption in telephone service in Grand Bahama.

“Please be advised that local authorities in Grand Bahama have been alerted to copper theft and persons cutting and/or stealing BTC telephone cables and wires, around the island, which is resulting in the disruption of telephone services,” the company said yesterday.

“This is an extreme inconvenience to BTC customers. If you witness anyone in your community cutting and/or stealing telephone wires or cables, please contact your local police department and/or 242-CALL-BTC (225-5282) to file a report. A reward will be made available to persons providing information.”

Government agencies and some businesses in the private sector have been victims of copper theft for some time.

In 2013, Leslie Miller, then executive chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, and Rupert Roberts, Super Value CEO, called on the government to place a permanent ban on the export of copper.

At the time, Mr Miller said copper thieves have caused businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

In July 2011, the Ingraham administration placed a temporary ban on the scrap metal trade and a permanent ban on copper export after an increase in copper theft.

However, the former government later lifted the copper ban and amended the Customs Management Act to allow for copper exports under stringent conditions.