The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is reporting that 17 business operators in Manchester have been arrested since the start of the year for the illegal abstraction of electricity.

A release from the company says the latest incident occurred last week, when a 63-year-old bar and grocery operator was arrested after numerous warnings for his illegal activity.

Other recent discoveries of theft at commercial entities in the parish include a tyre shop in Christiana, a bar in Pusey Hill and a fast-food operation in Mandeville.

Additionally, the company said perpetrators of electricity theft at residences have been caught in several communities, including Coleyville, Bronte, Bethany, Silent Hill, Porus, Belair, Knockpatrick, Spur Tree and Hatfield.

"JPS is appealing to persons to avoid the consequences of arrest, including a bad police record. The company is appealing to persons who are not regularised to go to the nearest customer service office to make arrangements to do so as the company remains eager to work with persons to arrive at solutions to meet their energy needs," the release said.