CITY West Water has urged Wyndham residents to secure their properties following a spike in water meter thefts in the past 12 months.
Managing director Anne Barker said figures revealed a 400 per cent increase in the number of meters stolen soon after installation, with the Werribee and Hillside areas the hardest hit.
A total of 314 meters have been stolen across Wyndham, mainly in Point Cook.
Many of the meters are reportedly being taken apart and sold to scrap metal yards for their brass.
“We’ve had numerous calls asking whether we’d interrupted the water supply, only to find that the customer’s water supply had been turned off at the main and the meter and tap stolen,” Ms Barker said.
“Theft of a water meter is a criminal offence and it’s disappointing that customers are having access to water supply impeded by these dishonest acts.”
City West Water has been investigating ways to reduce thefts, including the use of tracking devices in meters.
Ms Barker said residents in new housing estates were particularly at risk and urged residents to ensure their water meter was protected and secure at all times. She recommended installing temporary fencing until land was built upon, as residents become the custodian of meters as soon as they are installed on their property.
“Unfortunately for those customers, a replacement water meter cost has to be paid for by them, which is an unnecessary expense, especially for those building a new home or have just moved in.”
To report suspicious activity involving water meters, phone 131 242.
