Three locked Manitoba Hydro service yards were broken into over the weekend, with thieves also breaking into company vehicles. Stolen were one employee photo identification card and a number of Manitoba Hydro uniform items. Also taken were one employee’s note books that contained limited customer information.
The thefts occurred over the weekend at Manitoba Hydro yards on Dawson Road, Redwood Avenue, and Pandora Avenue. Ten vehicles, which had their windows smashed, were located inside the yards.
The notebooks contain handwritten notes for both residential and business customers citywide who had their natural gas meters exchanged. In a few cases, phone numbers and a first name to be used as a customer contact were also listed.
In light of the theft, Manitoba Hydro reminds customers to ask all Manitoba Hydro employees who approach their homes for their official photo identification, and to check to see they are in a clearly marked Manitoba Hydro vehicle. If you have any doubts, call Hydro to check the person’s name.
If you are uncomfortable in any way, do not allow the person into your yard or home, and ask them to call and make an appointment for the work they are going to perform.
“We are working closely with the Winnipeg Police Service as they perform their investigation,” said Scott Powell, Manitoba Hydro’s manager of Public Affairs.
“We are also conducting our own internal review of this matter as our work procedures are designed to ensure that customer information or other sensitive materials are not left in vehicles during off hours,” said Powell.
Customers concerned about any Manitoba Hydro activity on their property can call the utility’s Customer Contact Centre at 204-480-5900 to confirm the nature of the work or to make sure the individual is an authorized employee.
Individuals who may have information related to the break-ins and thefts can contact Winnipeg Crime Stoppers. Call 204-786-8477 to call in an anonymous tip, or text TIP170 and message CRIMES(274637). Long distance callers can dial 1-800-222-8477 toll-free. Callers never have to reveal their identity.
