The spate of thefts of water meters in consumer residences, recently has led the Dumaguete City Water District to suspect an attempt to sabotage its operation.

Esperatu Dicen, DCWD manager, who expressed alarm over the thefts that reached 25 cases in a span of 10 days, also said he believes the culprits use an instrument that fits the meter gadget made of brass.

Eleven thefts have been recorded and these were in barangays Balugo, Bagacay, Camanjac, Cantil-e, Batinguel, Talay, Cadawinoan and Poblacion, all in Dumaguete City.

Dicen advised water concessionaires to take precautionary measures to prevent such thefts.

But he discounted talks that somebody is trying to discredit his leadership by sabotaging the operation of the water firm.

The water meter thefts occurred days before the election of the Board membership in the Negros Oriental 2 Electric Cooperative where Dicen's daughter was a candidate.

Dicen said he believes the thefts were committed for personal gain, although they happened only in Dumaguete, and not in the neighboring towns and cities.

Because of the unavailability of the police to be always present, Dicen sought the help of barangay officials to catch the culprits, who he said could be youngsters. He also said he wants to tap the services of barangay tanods in rural villages and give them subsidies.

City chief of police Chief Insp. Manuel Hidalgo called on barangay officials and the neighborhood to be vigilant against suspected thieves.

Dicen, meanwhile, warned junkshop owners not to buy stolen water meters as they could be liable for violation of the anti-fencing law.*JG

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