A 42-year-old man has appeared in court after being charged with receiving stolen goods connected to the theft of Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) property, as the authority steps up its campaign against infrastructure vandalism across Trinidad and Tobago.
The charge, laid by a Sergeant attached to the WASA Police Unit, relates to the theft of fourteen lengths of ductile double-flange pipes valued at approximately TT$189,000. The accused was granted bail of TT$240,000 with a surety and ordered to remain at his residence while reporting to the Chaguanas Police Station twice weekly. The matter has been adjourned to the First Court, Chaguanas, on June 22nd, 2026.
The case forms part of a wider enforcement drive by the WASA Police Unit following a series of incidents at facilities across the country, including the recent vandalism of Tamana Well No. 1 between June 13th and 14th, 2026. Investigations into those matters remain ongoing.
WASA reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on vandalism and theft, warning that anyone involved in the theft, purchase, possession, transportation, or concealment of WASA assets will be identified and prosecuted. The authority cited Section 25 of the Summary Offences Act (Chap. 11:02) and Section 45 of the Malicious Damage Act (Chap. 11:06), which provide for fines and imprisonment for those convicted of willfully damaging public property.
To bolster its response, WASA said it is increasing surveillance at vulnerable facilities, expanding security operations, deploying enhanced monitoring measures, and working in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The authority also called on scrap dealers, contractors, transport operators, and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving WASA assets. Tips can be submitted to the WASA Vandalism Hotline at 496-6738.