CLARENDON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says widespread electricity theft from streetlights is causing major damage to lamps in the Rocky Point community in Clarendon, leaving residents in darkness and anxious over public safety and security.

The power supply company, in a media release on Friday, said illegal connections are responsible for over 70 per cent of the electricity consumed in that community, frustrating both residents and JPS crews required to effect repairs to the lamps on multiple occasions.

“Most recently, on August 30, JPS teams were again in the area repairing street lamps that should have been able to serve the community for significantly longer periods. JPS, however, continues to work in the community and with community leadership to resolve the issues at hand,” JPS said.

The company said its teams have been working closely with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation to maintain lights generally in the parish. Some 70 streetlights have reportedly been repaired in 14 divisions, which include Denbigh, May Pen East, May Pen West, May Pen North, Mineral Heights, Palmers Cross, Rocky Point, Hayes, York Town, Aenon Town, Frankfield, Thompson Town and Rock River.

The company said, across the island, in excess of 98 per cent of streetlights are consistently functional, with 1,120 street lights being repaired in the month of September under its streetlight repair programme. It said acts of theft and vandalism not only undermine the work of the company, but more importantly, undermine the safety of fellow citizens.