Energy Industry Crime Stoppers Program Enters Ohio

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Crime Stoppers, a program committed to reducing and solving energy industry crime, expands to 10 states with entry into Ohio. The Energy Crime Stoppers venture, launched by Energy Security Council in 2008, now includes Energy Crime Stoppers programs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Energy Crime Stoppers tipline (888-OIL-TIPS), staffed 24 hours, seven days a week, ensures callers providing information on energy-related crime remain anonymous.  Cash rewards up to $1,000, funded by Energy Security Council, are paid when tips result in arrest and/or conviction of individuals responsible for theft, fraud, or other crimes committed against energy companies.

"Energy Crime Stoppers is getting bigger and better," says Ed Krevit, chief deputy, Midland (TX) County sheriff's office who serves on the Energy Security Council board of directors.  "Individuals who work in the energy sector have a place to turn without fear of retaliation or retribution."

As the oil and natural gas, petrochemical, and electrical power industries evolve, Energy Crime Stoppers continues to adapt and evolve to serve communities and combat crime of energy industry products and equipment.  In addition to its phone line (888-645-8477), Energy Crime Stoppers' system is equipped to receive tips via text and instant messaging.  Billboards, signs, bumper stickers, and hard hat decals showcasing the program can be displayed in communities to increase awareness.  "Areas where Energy Crime Stoppers is embedded see a major deterrent in energy crimes," says Tony Lapaglia, Apache Energy's senior security manager for the U.S. region.  "The investment is well worth it," added Lapaglia. 

Expansion of the energy sector, especially in natural gas shale formations across the U.S. is a driving force behind Energy Crime Stoppers' commitment to reducing crime in the energy industry.  "Crime follows growth," says Larry Wieda, executive director, Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers.  "Having a relationship with energy companies and educating the general populous about Energy Crime Stoppers is a tremendous asset for the community." 

Energy Crime Stoppers, in partnership with local law enforcement, provides an additional avenue to reduce and solve crimes.  "The more information we receive, the more crime we will fight," added Wieda, a former member of NYPD.  

As energy companies continue to shift focus to domestic production, Energy Crime Stoppers program is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve.  "Many energy companies we've partnered with are now working in other parts of the country," says Susan Rogers, administrator of Energy Crime Stoppers. Rogers is executive director of Odessa (TX) Crime Stoppers.  "We know what is coming, so we are able to assist them in protecting assets."

Crime stoppers organizations, law enforcement, energy companies and vendors interested in joining Energy Crime Stoppers program can contact ESC for more information, http://www.energysecuritycouncil.org.  ESC is an international non-profit professional networking organization with a mission to enhance safety, security and business operations of its diverse member companies, corporations and associates.

SOURCE Energy Security Council