They say that the only thing you have to do is die and pay taxes. That is not necessarily true, because you don’t have to pay taxes if you are willing to go to jail. Nevertheless, there are certain basic necessities we all need and pay for. Utilities are a prime example.

So when someone steals from utilities, it costs them money and we all wind up paying higher prices to cover the loss from theft and vandalism. As reported in sheltonherald.com.

In order to protect our own pockets we all should be on the lookout for signs of utility theft, fraud or tampering.

Stealing utility service or equipment, or tampering with electric or electric facilities in any way, can have deadly consequences — not just for the thieves, but also for utility workers and even the public.

What’s more, the cost to replace or repair damaged utility equipment is shared by utility ratepayers.

It’s in everyone’s best interest to help stop this dangerous type of crime. Be vigilant, and to report it if they have reason to suspect someone is stealing utility service or tampering with equipment.

In addition to protecting your pocketbook, you may even save a life. Last November, a man was fatally injured in New Haven, Connecticut attempting to cut into a live power cable in an apparent attempt to steal it.

Do you think if we mandated stop theft classes we all might save a few bucks? I would think so.