Stolen Meters Becoming a Concern in Columbus

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Stealing electricity is often thought of as an “invisible crime”. Someone illegally hooks into a power supply, hooks up a line that has been disconnected, or tampers with a meter to avoid recording electricity usage.

It’s become a concern, and now the Columbus light and water has hired some help to solve stolen electricity cases.

Unlike a burglary, stealing electricity is not a case of “now you see it, now you don’t.” You usually have to catch a thief in the act. The crime involves someone steeling meters from homes in order to get free electricity.

“Thieves can steel in a puple of different ways,” said Todd Gale, Columbus Light and Water General Manager. “They can take another meter and plug it into their house that way, or sometimes they can bypass the meter all together by pulling wires inside the meter base.”

Gale says the crime is not common, but someone could get hurt because of exposed wires. Now the company is bringing in help to catch thieves plugging in.

“A part-time investigator, a third party, that we’ll call in to investigate, press charges if necessary, and go to court.”

According to Mississippi’s Statute, if you are caught stealing electricity you could face fines up to $750. A repeat offender could get a jail sentence. The added help should shine a light on any criminal activity, and Gale says it won’t cost customers, a penny.

“All investigative costs are passed on to the people who steel.”