Powering Safety: Hydro Ottawa, Crime Stoppers pay it forward

OTTAWA, May 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Hydro Ottawa is proud to fund Crime Stoppers rewards for tips that have helped shut down marijuana grow operations and stop the theft of power.

National Capital Area Crime Stoppers provides cash rewards for those who anonymously provide information in order to help Ottawa police detect and solve crime.

"In all, Crime Stoppers has helped recover over $90 million worth of stolen property and illicit drugs since the program began locally in 1985," said Wayne Bissett, President of the National Capital Area Crime Stoppers.

In 2012, the tips program helped Ottawa Police seize 1264 marijuana plants, valued at more than $1.3 million. Eight charges were laid for possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft of electricity.  Hydro Ottawa has reimbursed Crime Stoppers for the rewards paid relating to these cases.

"It is vital to protect citizens and our employees from the dangers of grow houses and their dangerous electrical wiring," said Bryce Conrad, Hydro Ottawa's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud to continue working with Crime Stoppers, an organization dedicated to improving our community."

To report a tip anonymously and earn a reward of up to $2,000, call Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). National Capital Area Crime Stoppers is also active online at www.crimestoppers.ca, Facebook, and on Twitter @CrimeStoppersOttawa or text to CRIMES with the keyword 'tip252.'

Hydro Ottawa's sponsorship of Crime Stoppers' reward program is one of many ways in which the company gives back to the community. It takes pride in promoting conservation and demand management, educating children and youth about electricity safety and helping to mitigate the impact of energy costs for those in need.

About Hydro Ottawa
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) owns and operates two subsidiary companies, Hydro Ottawa Limited and Energy Ottawa Inc.  Hydro Ottawa Limited is the third largest municipally owned electrical utility in Ontario serving more than 310,000 customers in the City of Ottawa and the Village of Casselman. Energy Ottawa Inc., Ottawa's largest producer of green power, generates renewable energy and provides commercial energy management services.

"In all, Crime Stoppers has helped recover over $90 million worth of stolen property and illicit drugs since the program began locally in 1985," said Wayne Bissett, Chairman of National Capital Area Crime Stoppers. "In 2011, tips led to the arrest of 89 individuals, over 500 charges being laid and the recovery of 15 firearms."

About Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers was introduced in the National Capital area in 1985 and the program is now active in 28 countries world-wide. A group of citizen volunteers serves on the Board of Directors who meet regularly to manage the program, raise funds and allocate rewards for successful TIPS. Ottawa Police Service provides a coordinator to handle day-to-day tips and promote the program as well as a van and staff person. Crime Stoppers relies on donations of funds and services from individuals and corporations to pay for awards, promotion of the program in the community and schools and other operational needs.

SOURCE: Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

For further information:

Claudia Lemieux
Manager, Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa
Tel: [phone] ext. 7684
[e-mail]

National Capital Area Crime Stoppers
613-482-7910
[e-mail]