Power theft is known as the silent crime, but it is not a victimless crime. Theft of electricity and water increases everyone’s rates so honest customers end up paying for the stolen utilities. Reducing power theft is an excellent example of how you can cut the cost of your WAPA bill while helping your fellow citizens do the same.
Anyone trying to cause a meter to stop, to under register or to be bypassed is stealing power. Tampering with a meter is a crime in the Virgin Islands. Punishment includes fines up to $5,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to one year.
WAPA does prosecute, as evidenced by successful criminal trials that ended with convicted power thieves paying heavy fines and repaying hundreds of thousands of dollars, which represented the cost of the stolen power.
Cutting and stealing power lines is also a criminal act that carries stiff consequences, which can include loss of limbs or life from electrocution. It is very dangerous!
Be part of the solution. Crime Stoppers urges V.I. residents to report suspected power and water thefts. Crime Stoppers also encourages you to report those who might be making power theft possible. All that is needed is the address where you believe the theft is occurring and a brief description of what leads you to this conclusion.
To report a suspected theft call WAPA’s Internal Audit Revenue Assurance Division at 340-715-6563 or send an email to reportservicetheft@viwapa.vi .
In the event you feel a need to remain anonymous, tell us what you know at www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting “USVI” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). If your tip turns out to be correct, you will receive a reward to be paid according to your instructions.
The minimum reward is $357 plus 10 percent of WAPA’s estimate of the value of the stolen power or water. Crime Stoppers’ maximum reward is $2,500. Only anonymous callers to Crime Stoppers are eligible.
You can also help by contributing to the Crime Stoppers reward fund. For details please go to www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org and click on “Support Us.”
