The Local Police in Palma have charged two men aged 32 and 43 for illegally hooking up to a high-voltage pole to supply electricity to a home. They were working without safety measures and risking their lives.
Two men were caught last Thursday at seven in the evening manipulating a high-voltage electric pole in Palma to illegally connect the supply to a home. The Local Police charged them with a minor offence of electricity fraud and another for damage.
The events occurred in a residential area of the city. A call to 092 alerted the police that two individuals were suspiciously manipulating the wiring. A unit from the USEI (Integrated Security Unit) arrived at the scene and found one of the individuals on a construction ladder, directly manipulating the light panel of the exterior pole.
The other man was located inside the building, dismantling the general meter of the property. Upon noticing the police presence, he attempted to hide unsuccessfully. Both were identified and arrested on the spot.
A high-risk hook-up
One of the individuals claimed he was making a repair because his home had no supply. The other admitted he was going to charge 100 euros for making the clandestine connection. However, neither of them had the qualifications or technical certification for electrical work.
The on-site inspection revealed that the general meter was completely dismantled, with the official seal broken, fuses removed, and fuse holders severely tampered with. Additionally, they had already installed a new wiring line to link the building's panel with the public pole.
The police highlighted that the operation took place in a high-risk environment, as the individuals were not wearing personal protective equipment. They were putting their physical integrity and that of the neighbours in serious danger, as they were working on a high-voltage pole without any safety measures.
Urgent intervention by the electricity company
Given the evident danger, the Local Police urgently managed the intervention of the technical services of the electricity distribution company. The workers arrived to disable the illegal hook-up and repair the damage caused to the installations.
The operation concluded with the preparation of a report sent to both the Instruction Section of the Court of First Instance and the National Police. The two detainees, Spanish nationals aged 32 and 43, were placed at the disposal of the judiciary.
For the residents of the area, such practices pose an avoidable risk. The police remind that any manipulation of the electrical network must be carried out by authorized personnel and with the required safety measures. Illegal hook-ups are not only a crime but can also cause serious and even fatal accidents.
The incident serves as a warning to those attempting to save on their electricity bill illegally. The clandestine connection is not only dangerous but can also lead to criminal consequences. In this case, the individuals face charges of electricity fraud and damage, which may result in fines or prison sentences.
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