MCWD warns against water meter theft

THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) advised its consumers to be vigilant as incidents of water meter theft are expected to proliferate this time of the year.

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

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.

Chief Insp. Michael Bastes, chief of the Mandaue City Theft and Robbery Section (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.

“Kun mangawat unya naa’y lock o cage, masakpan na kay madugay man (Robbers will be caught because it would take them some time to steal caged water meters),” Bastes said.

Bastes also suggested that barangay tanods should be patrolling their area especially at night and coordinate with the police as they are the ones who know the thieves in their place.

The police official also warned owners of junkshops who buy stolen meters that the act is illegal and punishable under the Anti-Fencing Law.

He said these shops are mostly located in V. Rama, Labangon and 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 or a fence.

MCWD has put behind bars fences and meter thieves and will continue with its effort until every violator is prosecuted.

MCWD is asking the public to report to the water district any case of water meter theft by calling MCWD’s Call Center at 2548434 local 0, 4121836, (0917) 3219821 and (0917) 5464278.