Pubdate: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Williams Lake Tribune Contact: http://www.wltribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) GOV'T. SNOOPS START SNOOPING If you are a crime and punishment kind of person, then you'll probably hail the province's latest tool to bust grow-ops. If you're a civil libertarian, then you'll shudder at the plan. Victoria has amended the Safety Standards Act in an attempt to target and shut down marijuana grow operations. Under the new regulations, electricity companies will be required to give municipalities information about residences with unusual power consumption, so local authorities can target grow-op houses more efficiently. "Grow-ops are more likely to catch fire, more likely to have guns inside and are more likely to be robbed," said Rich Coleman, minister responsible for housing. "They pose a danger to our neighbourhoods and we're determined to shut them down." Fair enough. But do we really need to snoop in people's personal information to combat crime? Is it really necessary to have someone keep an eye on your hydro bill to see if you are a possible criminal? What's next, having Big Brother eyeball our credit card bills to see if we're buying grow-op equipment, or maybe down at the sporting goods store to see if we're buying a lot of ammunition. Why not just come right in to our houses and snoop around to see if we're up to no good? There is validity to the argument that grow ops are a fire hazard which, in turn, creates a risk for law abiding citizens. The principle behind checking Hydro bills is the same as when Victoria wanted to access to Costco records in order to snoop around and find out who was avoiding the PST by shopping in Alberta. You'll remember that plan backfired. Grow-ops are indeed a huge problem, but what can we do? Tips from the public remain the best source of information for police about potential grow-ops. Here are several ways to identify possible grow operations: Entry to the home is usually through the garage or a back entrance to conceal activity. Windows are boarded or covered and may have a layer of condensation. Equipment such as large fans, lights and plastic plant containers is carried into the home. Sounds of construction or electrical humming can be heard. Strange odours (a skunk-like smell) emanate from the house. The neighbourhood experiences localized surges or decreases in power. We can all do our part, perhaps without infringing on our individual rights. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl