HYDRO GOING TO POT?

The escalating cost of hydro is just one more good reason to help Halton
Regional Police shut down illegal drug-growing operations.

There are some groups -- particularly a vocal segment from British Columbia
that e-mails The Champion on a regular basis -- that believe the police
have far more worrisome criminals to chase than the folks who choose to
grow marijuana for a living.

But today we don't want to debate the issue of decriminalizing pot. Instead
we want to reiterate the danger these pothouses pose to otherwise quiet,
safe neighbourhoods as well as the cost of stealing electricity. Often the
electrical power supply meters inside the houses are altered so that
sufficient power can be routed inside without it registering on the meter,
explain police.

Not only does this method of sourcing electricity create a fire hazard, it
also steals hydro from the utility producing it. This in turn increases
power usage and can affect power prices. And we think we know how Milton
residents feel about the surge in hydro costs.

Halton police are asking for help in tracking down grow houses. If you
suspect there's one on your street, Crime Stoppers is just a call away.

Closing down grow houses isn't about the pros and cons of legalizing pot.
It's about safety and theft.