OUR urges end to illegal utility taps, citing higher bills, fire risk and jail time

The Office of Utilities Regulation is reminding the public that tapping water, electricity and cable networks without permission is unlawful and drives up charges for paying customers.

Tampering raises the prospect of fire, injury, death or prison for those involved and people close by. Families also lose moral ground when theft becomes the norm at home.

The regulator poses the same challenge in plain terms: wider improvement stalls when individuals skip better choices, and few people cheer when others take their property. Subscribers should settle accounts through legitimate billing.