Tamale, Aug. 25, GNA - Tamale Police have arrested five persons suspected to be members of a syndicate that has been stealing pipelines and other accessories in the municipality. The thefts have resulted in the interruption of water supply to the municipality.

Ibrahim Abdulai, 39, Adam Abdulai, 35 and Masawu Abdulai, 40, all traders, and Ayana Iddi, 35, Alhassan Amadu, 25, both truck pushers, were rounded up at the weekend. They had in their possession 88 PVC pipes and 10 assorted valves.

The valves are estimated at one million cedis, while the value of the pipes is yet to be determined. Mr David Walenkaki, Commissioner of Police for Special Duties (Operation Gong-Gong IV) told newsmen on Tuesday that the anti-armed robbery squad on night patrol spotted the suspects digging trenches along Lamashegu road after midnight.

He said the suspects on seeing the team abandoned their digging implements and took to their heels, but were later traced to the house. Mr Walenkaki said the suspects, who made their first appearance in court on Tuesday, have been remanded in Police custody, while the owner of the house has been invited for questioning.

He described the suspects as "subversive elements", who are more dangerous than armed robbers are since their activities had adversely affected the whole community. Mr Walenkaki said the Police would plead for deterrent sentences against the suspects if the court finds them guilty.