Water theft jail

By Sarah Schwager
A CRANBOURNE South man is the first person to be found guilty of water theft since new water restrictions came into effect last September.
Mark Raymond Hogan pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday last week to stealing millions of litres of water from South East Water to fill a dam on his property.
Magistrate James Mornane convicted Hogan and sentenced him to one month in jail, fully suspended for a year.
He was also ordered to repay $2630 for the cost of the water plus court costs.
South East Water managing director Dennis Cavagna said the penalties sent a strong message to anyone who intended to steal water.
“People who are caught stealing water will be prosecuted in court,” Mr Cavagna said. “They could face convictions, hefty fines and even jail.
“Everyone is well aware that we are experiencing water shortages at the moment and this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Hogan pleaded guilty to removing his water meter so that South East Water could not adequately charge him for water he was using.
South East Water was alerted to the theft after he was reported for an alleged breach of water restrictions and a subsequent investigation was then conducted at the property.
Water theft is a criminal offence under Section 289 of the Water Act 1989.
Mr Cavagna said with Stage 3a water restrictions coming into effect last Sunday, people needed to continue to save water.
“I think most people in Melbourne who are saving every last drop of water would be appalled at this,” he said.