By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The State Police Commissioner, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, psc, has issued a stern warning to the Scrap Dealers Association of Osun State over the increasing involvement of scavengers in criminal activities.

Abba, in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, in Osogbo yesterday, expressed concern over the rising incidents of theft linked to scavengers, who have reportedly been stealing from households, businesses, and government facilities, with a particular focus on electricity cables.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the association and the police in preventing theft, the receipt of stolen goods, and the vandalisation of power infrastructure.

The statement partly reads, “Today, 20th August 2024, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Police Command, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, psc, met with the Scrap Dealers Association, Osun State Branch, to address them on pressing issues.

The CP frowned upon the rising trend of scavengers’ activities in the state, ranging from stealing from households, companies, and government facilities, especially electricity cables, to selling the stolen goods to scrap dealers. He sternly warned the association that receiving stolen property is a more severe offence than stealing, as it enables and encourages theft, noting that if there are no buyers, there will not be sellers.

“Additionally, the CP highlighted the recent cases of scavengers vandalising power cables in transformers and power lines, which can have severe consequences on the power grid and potentially escalate into a national crisis.

“The CP urged the association to implement mechanisms to verify the authenticity of goods sold to them and report suspicious individuals masquerading as scavengers to the police. Failure to comply with this directive will result in constant raids on their shops and scrap yards, holding everyone accountable.”