Pubdate: Tue, 12 Nov 2002
Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/mcc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503

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.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens