MCWD: Meter theft incidents expected to soar at this time

CEBU, Philippines - The Metropolitan Cebu Water District is advising its consumers to be vigilant as incidents of water meter theft are expected to proliferate this time of the year.

“We presume that it is the time more people need money to send kids to school or to pay dues,” said MCWD spokesperson Charmaine Rodriguez when asked on the reason why water meter theft are high at this time.

Rodriguez said MCWD records show that from 2009 to 2012, the months of May, June, July, October, November, and December, incidents of water meter theft soar.

In 2012, out of 743 reported cases, 116 occurred in June and 96 occurred in July.

In 2010, out of 1,561 stolen meters, June had the highest number at 324 incidents and May had 225.

In a statement, Rodriguez said Chief Insp. Michael Bastes, chief of the Mandaue City Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) and formerly a member of the Cebu City Police Office TRS, advised the public to put a lock or metal cage on their water meter to discourage thieves.

In doing its part to protect its consumers, MCWD purchased 4,500 meter cuffs worth P790,200.

These cuffs will be installed depending on the need and the incidence of water meter thefts in an area.

According to Bastes, it would take time for a thief to steal the water meter if this is locked or is being caged.

Bastes also suggested that barangay tanods should patrol their areas especially at night and coordinate with the police.

The police official also warned owners of junkshops from buying stolen meters.

He said these shops are mostly located at V. Rama, barangay Labangon, and barangay Tejero in Cebu City.

A meter owner may recover his stolen item from the junkshop but Bastes advised that he must be escorted by a policeman for security reasons.

In order to identify and put to jail water meter thieves and buyers, the MCWD is offering a cash reward to those who can give information that would lead to their arrest.

A reward of P10,000 is given to anyone who can help in the arrest and prosecution of meter thieves while P25,000 is given to those who can give information about buyers of these stolen water meters.

Rodriguez said MCWD has put behind bars these thieves and buyers and will continue with its effort until every violator is prosecuted.  (FREEMAN)