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