Energy Security Council Training Helps Task Force Stop Crimes

HOUSTON, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Energy Security Council (ESC) honored the Permian Basin Oilfield Theft Task Force, a collaborative effort of local, state and federal law enforcement officials, for making 50 arrests and solving West Texas oilfield crimes.  The task force action resulted in recovered equipment and product and millions of dollars in restitution.  

ESC estimated Permian Basin oilfield thefts resulted in $78 million in losses during 2005-2007.  The economic impact and threat to critical infrastructure was impetus to form the theft task force, according to FBI Supervisory Agent Matt Espenshade. In addition to FBI, Texas Rangers Midland company and sheriff offices from Midland, Ector and Andrews counties participate.  

"ESC support is instrumental in successes our partnership has had," Espenshade said.  Two ESC programs support the theft task force:  Energy Crime Stoppers hotline and law enforcement training.

Texas Rangers Lieutenant Kenny Ray called the Permian Basin Oilfield Theft Task Force a model for other areas to follow. "It's an advantage to have officers dedicated to fighting oilfield crime," he said. "With strained law enforcement budgets ESC will need to provide even more free training that teaches law enforcement officers and investigators how to spot, identify and prosecute oilfield theft."  

He pointed out that free ESC training taught by members of the task force provided direct results. One night after participating in ESC training an officer stopped a truck loaded with pipe heading to the Texas-Mexico border. "This young officer knew what to look for and stopped a major crime," Ray said.

Citizens can help stop oilfield crimes by calling Energy Crime Stoppers Hotline, 888-645-TIPS (8477) when they see something suspicious in the oil patch. Calls are routed through local crime stopper organizations in the geographic area where the crime allegedly occurred and referred to appropriate law enforcement. Tipsters remain anonymous and receive cash rewards for information leading to arrest and/or conviction for theft, fraud or crimes committed against energy companies. Tipsters receive a confidential code to claim rewards. Anonymous reports can be made through Energy Security Council's website www.energysecuritycouncil.org.

Energy Crime Stoppers Hotline is active in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. ESC is an international non-profit professional networking organization committed to enhance safety, security and business operations of member companies, corporations and associates.

SOURCE Energy Security Council