Utility Theft
It affects us all
Utility Theft has become a major problem in the utility industry. As a result, billions of dollars are stolen from Utility Companies each year. GRU investigators follow-up on more than ten thousand leads on utility theft each year and prevent the loss of more than $300,000. In the past year, investigators billed over $50,000 in utility theft related cases. When a customer steals utilities it can cause higher rates for all customers. GRU has been very proactive in investigating and prosecuting customers who bypass their meters. We are proud to announce that our investigators have a 100% conviction rate on all utility theft cases. GRU investigators work closely with local law enforcement agencies as well as the State Attorney's Office to prosecute those who choose to be dishonest.
Utility Theft can also be a safety hazard for all customers. In most cases after utility theft is detected, a fire hazard was discovered. This hazard can lead to property damage, personal injury and in extreme cases death.
Utility Theft is a crime! Florida State Statute 812.14(2)(c) states "It is unlawful to use or receive the direct benefit from the use of a utility, cable television service, or community antenna line service knowing, or under such circumstances as would induce a reasonable person to believe, that such direct benefits have resulted from any tampering with, altering of, or injury to any connection, wire, conductor, meter, pipe, conduit, line, cable, transformer, amplifier, or other apparatus or device owned, operated, or controlled by such utility or cable television service or community antenna line service, for the purpose of avoiding payment."
Utility Theft is a first-degree misdemeanor and anyone convicted could spend up to one year in jail and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000. However in some cases, utility theft can be tried in a court of law as a felony.
We would like your help in reporting suspected theft so we can help you save money. Please fill out the form below as completely as possible. Remember the information that you provide is completely anonymous. If you would like to speak with one of our investigators in person, please call (352) 334-3400 ext.1447.
Thank you for joining the fight against utility theft.
