24/05/2026
LIBENERGY Raises Alarm Over Increasing Theft of Electrical Cables in Harper City
May 22, 2026
HARPER, Maryland County
The Management of LIBENERGY has sounded a strong warning over what it describes as a growing wave of theft and vandalism targeting critical electricity infrastructure in Harper City, cautioning that the illegal activities are threatening public safety and undermining efforts to provide stable and reliable electricity services to residents.
The company disclosed that it has observed a troubling increase in the cutting and theft of transformer earthing (grounding) cables and neutral cables from several locations within the city.
According to management, the incidents have become recurrent in recent months, causing concern among engineers and technical personnel responsible for maintaining the electrical distribution network.
In a public notice released this week, LIBENERGY described the perpetrators as "unscrupulous individuals" whose actions continue to jeopardize the integrity of the city's power infrastructure.
Company officials stressed that while some people may view the theft of electrical cables as a simple act of stealing scrap metal for resale, the consequences are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic.
"These are not ordinary cables, they are essential safety components that protect both the electrical system and the public," the company emphasized.
Electrical engineers explain that grounding or earthing cables serve as a protective pathway that safely directs excess electrical current into the ground.
This process prevents dangerous voltage build-up and protects transformers and other electrical equipment from damage during electrical faults, lightning strikes, or power surges.
Without proper grounding, transformers become vulnerable to malfunction, overheating, and catastrophic failure.
Such failures can trigger transformer explosions, fires, prolonged power outages, and serious electrocution hazards for residents living near affected installations.
Experts further note that neutral cables play a critical role in balancing electrical loads and maintaining stable voltage levels throughout the distribution system.
Their removal can result in erratic power supply, voltage fluctuations, equipment damage, and increased risks to consumers using household appliances and business equipment.
According to LIBENERGY, the continued theft of these components threatens not only the company's operations but also the safety of entire communities that depend on the electrical network for daily activities.
The company warned that schools, health facilities, businesses, government institutions, and households could all suffer the consequences of damaged electrical infrastructure.
A senior technical officer familiar with the situation explained that replacing stolen cables often requires emergency maintenance work, technical assessments, and procurement of specialized materials, all of which place additional financial burdens on the utility provider.
"Every time these cables are stolen, the company is forced to divert resources that could otherwise be used to expand and improve electricity services.
It affects service delivery and delays development projects intended to benefit the public," the official noted.
Residents in some communities have reportedly experienced temporary service disruptions linked to damaged transformers and compromised electrical connections resulting from vandalism.
The situation comes at a time when efforts are underway to strengthen electricity access and reliability across Maryland County. Local authorities and development stakeholders have invested significant resources into expanding energy infrastructure to support economic growth and improve living conditions for residents.
LIBENERGY fears that continued vandalism could undermine these gains and discourage future investments in the energy sector.
Management revealed that the matter has been formally reported to the Liberia National Police (LNP), and investigations are currently expected to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The company indicated that individuals found guilty of tampering with or stealing public electrical infrastructure could face prosecution under relevant laws governing theft, destruction of public property, and acts that endanger public safety.
Beyond law enforcement intervention, LIBENERGY is calling for stronger community involvement in protecting public infrastructure.
The company has appealed to community leaders, youth organizations, local government officials, neighborhood watch groups, and residents to remain vigilant and actively assist in safeguarding transformers and 8 are being encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements around transformers, unauthorized persons carrying electrical cables, or individuals attempting to tamper with electrical installations.
Management emphasized that protecting electrical infrastructure should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the utility provider but as a collective obligation shared by all citizens.
"Electricity infrastructure belongs to the public and serves the public.
When these facilities are damaged or vandalized, everyone suffers the consequences," the company stated.
The management further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable .
LIBENERGY concluded by urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and utility personnel in the fight against infrastructure vandalism, stressing that community participation remains one of the most effective tools in preventing theft and protecting public assets.
"Together, we can protect our electrical infrastructure, ensure public safety, support development, and maintain a reliable power supply for present and future generations," the statement concluded.