A 34-year-old electrician has been sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to stealing street lights from the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Young Professional Housing Scheme.

The theft was discovered on September 24, 2024, during an outreach event in the area.

According to a police press release, residents reported the missing street lights to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and the Central Housing and Planning Authority, prompting an immediate police investigation.

Within two days, police arrested Sharmo Jones, an electrician from Plaisance Squatting Area. Jones admitted to removing the street lights and installing them in various locations. Law enforcement successfully recovered all 24 stolen lights.

Police said that on September 27, Jones was charged with Simple Larceny, contrary to Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Appearing before Magistrate A. Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate Court, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to one year in prison.