Local News

Alert as Burglars Remove Electrical Meters During Break-ins 

24 March 2026
This content originally appeared on One News SVG.
An image of the aftermath of one of the meter tampering burglaries on March 16.

By Admin. Updated 5:55 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Criminal activity in parts of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has taken an alarming turn, with reports indicating that burglars are now tampering with, and in some cases removing, electrical meters from buildings during their robberies.

The incidents were reported in the Fountain area of West St George during the early morning of March 16.

According to police, the LTD Gas Station in Fountain was among the properties affected. At that location, a meter was removed from a three-phase electrical system at around 1:00 a.m., as a group of men reportedly broke into the property. The matter was reported to VINLEC’s emergency, and a technician reconnected the meter to its base.

Several residents in the area also informed police that their homes had been burglarised and the intruders had removed their electrical meters.

One report suggests that the motive behind the removal of the meters may be to disable electrical systems connected to security cameras on the buildings.

Upon receiving the reports, One News SVG contacted the St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) for comment.

Ms Bria King, Communications Officer at the state-owned company, confirmed that the company did receive reports of individuals tampering with electrical meters in the Fountain area.

“VINLEC takes this matter very seriously and wishes to remind the public that meter tampering is illegal and will not be tolerated,” King stated. “Where necessary, the company will take all appropriate action, including involving law enforcement.”

She further warned that “meters are connected to a live electrical supply, and any attempt to tamper with them creates a serious risk of electrocution and other electrical injuries.”

Police say they are investigating the matter.

END