Power theft up in central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The owner of eight supermarkets in central Florida has been charged with stealing $80,000 worth of electricity from the Kissimmee Utility Authority.

Officials with the authority and the Orlando Utilities Commission say the crime has become increasingly common in a sour economy, the Orlando Sentinel reported Wednesday. The case of Cesar Ramirez, who maintains his innocence and says he does not know who is behind the power theft at his store in Buenaventura Lakes, is remarkable only because of the amount involved.

"It's up at least 65 percent so far this year," said Rick Woods, KUA's point man on electrical larceny. "There are no cultural, educational or income barriers. A lot of people who steal power probably wouldn't steal a candy bar out of a 7-Eleven."

The OUC reported a similar increase between 2007 and 2008, with about 1,400 cases last year and 896 the previous year.

No one compiles national statistics on power theft.

"It's like running an art museum if paintings are getting stolen -- you don't want to publicize that so everyone knows and might try it," said Nick Braden, a spokesman for the American Public Power Association.