Action 9

Investigators with badges, bulletproof vests hunt for natural gas thieves

Natural gas theft is illegal and dangerous and costs other customers money.

"Very dangerous. That's scary to know. Gas is not something to play with," customer Sylvia Martin said.

Piedmont Natural Gas is cracking down on the crime.

Keith Napier, director of Gas Operations, said the utility had thousands of cases a few years ago, but now, it’s down to hundreds, a 61 percent drop.

Napier said the difference is North Carolina made natural gas theft a crime a few years ago, there's new technology that tracks equipment and identifies anything unusual, and there's a higher level of public awareness.

"This is illegal and theft is a crime," Napier said.

Piedmont has anti-theft investigators with badges and bulletproof vests.

"We are constantly going out and looking for them," investigator Debbie Hauliska said.

Thieves steal gas in different ways.

The most dangerous is that they mess with the gas lines, rig up something and divert the gas to their homes or businesses.

Hauliska showed Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke examples of thieves using PVC piping, a radiator hose from a vehicle, and even duct tape.

"It is very dangerous," Hauliska said.

PNG relies on tips, and officials said tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 800-752-7504.

Some criminals make a business of diverting gas illegally.

Piedmont calls them fixers.

If one comes to your door claiming to be with PNG, remember that real PNG employees will have a marked vehicle, a uniform and a company ID.

A real PNG technician may ask for a credit card for a service, but will never ask for cash.

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