RecoverIR™ Blog

On April 29, 2011, Reporter Manuel Gamiz Jr., OF THE MORNING CALL http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-allentown-gas-theft-20110429,0,6844564.story released a news story stating:

"A 52-year-old landlord is charged with risking a catastrophe after he allegedly re-directed gas from UGI lines to heat three of his properties in Allentown, police said.

"David E. Gasdik, of Bethlehem, was arrested Thursday as Allentown police and fire, UGI officials and city code enforcement were investigating the illegal hook-up, said police Capt. Daryl Hendricks.

"Hendricks said UGI officials were investigating the theft of natural gas at properties at 260, 262 and 264 E. Hamilton St. and requested police assistance. Hendricks said an investigation revealed someone had tapped into the UGI line and re-directed gas to the three homes.

"Police called the fire department and code enforcement to assist. Gasdik showed up a short time later.

"Gasdik, of 3103 Church Road, was charged with risking a catastrophe, theft of services and tampering with evidence. He was released on $25,000 unsecured bail."

RecoverIR believes there is more than 5% natural gas theft in Pennsylvania, and this case of landlord energy theft is just one more case showing more than the poor are energy thieves.

So we ask you, "What will it take for city and state officials to recognize the time has passed to ignore energy theft?"

Please weigh in on this topic.