FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 9, 2002
CONTACT: LaVerne Kyriss, 720-962-7050, kyriss@wapa.gov

LAKEWOOD, Colo.-- Cash rewards up to $1,000 are being offered by Western Area Power Administration for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals causing damage to Western facilities and property or loss of property and personnel. Witness identities are kept confidential.

Western received congressional authority to develop and implement a crime witness program to reduce vandalism, theft and property destruction in its FY02 funding bill.

Under this authority, Western may provide rewards (including cash) up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those causing damage to Federal facilities and property.

Witnesses can call toll free 1-800-209-8962 to report suspicious or criminal activities in strict confidence.

Incidents of theft, malicious mischief, destruction of government property and sabotage have increased in the utility industry. Historically, crimes against Western's facilities, equipment, real estate, employees, property and assets have cost the agency up to half a million dollars a year. This includes such crimes as theft of equipment and supplies, burglary, illegal dumping and vandalism.

Gunshot damage to transmission lines can also create life-threatening hazards if the action downs a conductor or denies power to someone on life support equipment.

Western's Crime Watch Program asks the public to help fight crime at its facilities in hopes of reducing operations and maintenance costs. Help us keep the lights on by reporting crimes. For more information, visit www.wapa.gov/crime.

Western annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric power plants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 central and western states.