Mansehra: Transformer Theft Gang Reportedly Active Again as Winter Approaches, Valuable Coils Stolen in Chattar Plain

A 50 kVA transformer near the Tablighi Centre in Chattar Plain’s Madani Market was reportedly dismantled and its valuable coils stolen despite being secured with strong welding. Residents call on police to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents.
MANSEHRA: With the arrival of winter and longer nights, concerns have resurfaced over transformer theft in Mansehra district. A few days ago, incidents were reported in the Kotli Bala area, where the coils of one transformer were reportedly stolen while an attempt was made to steal the coils of another. Now, another incident has reportedly occurred at Madani Market near the Tablighi Centre in Chattar Plain.
According to local reports, unidentified individuals removed a 50 kVA transformer and stole its valuable coils. The transformer was reportedly secured with strong welding, but the suspects allegedly managed to remove it and carry out the theft despite these precautions.
Transformer Theft Concerns Grow After Incidents in Kotli Bala and Chattar Plain
The reported incidents in Kotli Bala, followed by the latest theft in Chattar Plain, have raised concerns among local residents. There are fears that more areas could be affected if effective preventive measures are not taken.
The theft of transformer coils can cause significant financial losses, disrupt electricity supplies, and create difficulties for residents and businesses.
Strong Welding Fails to Prevent the Latest Theft
Following previous incidents of transformer theft, residents in several neighbourhoods reportedly strengthened the installation of their local transformers through welding, acting on instructions from WAPDA authorities, to reduce the risk of theft.
However, the latest incident in Chattar Plain has raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of these protective measures and the need for additional security arrangements.
Residents Urge Police to Trace Those Responsible
Residents are hopeful that the police will use their professional expertise and effective investigative strategies to identify the suspects and prevent further incidents.
They have called for increased surveillance in vulnerable areas, attention to suspicious activities, and appropriate legal action against anyone found involved in the thefts.
Public Cooperation Essential to Protect Transformers
Local residents believe that protecting electricity transformers cannot be the responsibility of the police alone. Communities must also cooperate with the relevant authorities and take reasonable precautions to safeguard transformers installed in their neighbourhoods.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities promptly to the police and coordinate with the relevant electricity authorities to improve security arrangements.
Cooperation between the public, police, and electricity authorities could help prevent further thefts and protect essential electricity infrastructure.
Note: The details in this report are based on locally circulated information. Independent confirmation from the relevant authorities and official identification of the suspects have not been provided.