The electric company has begun funding private guard patrols in order to reduce thefts of metal wiring. Company officials explained that metal thieves steal millions of shekels worth of equipment each year, cause blackouts, and endanger the public by leaving wires exposed. Police are unable to help, officials explained, because they lack sufficient manpower.
The company now employs over 50 guards. The guards have police permission to stop suspects, search their possessions, and conduct arrests. The private security details have already made several arrests, officials said.