Power ‘thieves’ cause concern

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 5

Power ‘thieves’ cause concern

The Municipal Electricity Department is keen to catch electricity “thieves.”

One obvious cause of electricity being stolen by tampering with meters is reported by M.E.D. meter readers each week.

The department’s staff had copies of instruction sheets published by “Underground Press” giving information about how to slow or stop meters, said the general manager, Mr Chris Laurie.

They also knew of a device publicised in an electronics magazine which, connected to the meter terminal, caused it to reverse. Mr Laurie said that it was very difficult to prove power pilfering and difficult to judge the extent to which it was done. Reported cases were investigated and usually the meter had to be replaced because of damage.

Only rarely was sufficient information able to be ob-

tained to prosecute successfully the “thieves.” Only one successful prosecution had been made in the last two years. The last two cases reported to the police had lapsed for want of evidence.. Often the theft involved rental accommodation and transient consumers.

The department hopes that a $5OO reward offered for inforamtion leading to a conviction will act as a deterrent to thieves. It plans, with Christchurch City Council approval, to run a publicity campaign early next year.

The council’s airport and electricity committee yesterday approved the printing of pamphlets similar to ones distributed by the South Wales Electricity Board offering a reward for information.