NEW TOOL TO DETECT STOLEN ELECTRICITY

BC Hydro and Crime Stoppers have announced a new enforcement tool that
they hope will encourage people to report suspected marijuana growing
operations.

Addresses of suspected illegal drug operations reported to the Crime
Stoppers tip line can be forwarded to BC Hydro energy diversion
investigators.

An unexplained spike in electrical energy use in a residence or
business is one way to identify an indoor marijuana farm, which is why
the meter is often bypassed and stolen electricity routed to the grow
operation.

Hydro investigators will be able to search for evidence of electricity
theft and can lay a complaint with police, who could issue a search
warrant.

According to a joint release by Solicitor-General John Les and BC
Hydro president Bob Elton, the partnership will increase the
identification of electricity theft and assist police in shutting down
illegal growing operations.

Anyone who knows of a suspected marijuana grow operation is asked to
call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.