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economist suntribune crime saturday nov 23 2002 pot growers burden to insurance companies rewiring houses creates possibility of explosions- by roger varley staff writer illegal marijuanagrowing opera tions in the gta cost insurance compa nies millions of dollars bob whitman director of the insurance bureau of canadas crime ring investigative unit said tuesday there are hundreds of marijuana grow houses in toronto and the surrounding regions and theres a potential for 10000 in the entire province its been estimated in the conserva tive area 50000 per grow house is paid in claims by insurance companies mr whitman said you do the math in york region alone police have raided close to 200 potgrowing opera tions this year they are creating fire hazards for future buyers marijuana growers commonly rent or buy houses in suburban neighbour hoods and rewire them to accommo date the large amounts of electrical equipment needed in addition exten sive damage is done to walls floors and ceilings to run ventilation ducts from basements to roofs they are creating fire hazards for future buyers mr whitman said they are frying the wires once they are compromised three or four years down the road you have fire in the walls the losses are running in the millions not only are the operations costing insurance companies money they are also causing injuries and deaths he said he pointed out markham hydro has been shutting off power to houses sus pected of stealing hydro by bypassing meters a common practice among grow house operators some have been so bad theres lit erally a fear of houses exploding mr whitman said people living on each side and behind these houses are in danger he said so many houses have been identified that despite steppedup policing including two nationwide operation greensweep initiatives earli er this year police are losing the battle be a big brother its kids stuff 9057271251 trw mouje trough to yoo a commurwy unict cl ecoooma suntnoow community care access centre of york region do you know someone who needs health care or personal support at home we provide community care placement information and referral services for people of all ages through a visible single point of access services are funded by the ministry of health for eligible clients ccac helping you access your health care system call 1888470ccac 2222 this message brought to you as a community service of the economist sun tribune f i al week last chance to join for as low as 9 65 goodlife f t n s s c l u b s 905 4795343 markville mall 5000 highway 7 coed 416 4943221 3389 steeles avenue east coed 9052016753 bullock dr women only upstairs in loblaws over 65 ctteef women only clubs in canada initiation and administration fees apply offer expires november 30 2002 www g o o d i i f efi t n e s s co m toronto area mazda dealers present final clearance hurry in while quantities last offer ends nov 3002 purchase financing for 48 monthst 2002 mazda mpvdx 1 with convenience package x cash purchase from 24495 highest impact protection rating possible ms no payments until feb 2003 on the 2002 mazda mpv new 301 200hp v6 engine 5speed outomotic transmis sion front ond reor stobilizer bors air conditioning dmfmcocossette stereo with 4 speakers steering wheel audio controls 2nd row side- byslide seats and 3rd row tumbleunder seats dual sliding doors with power down windows convenience package power windows power locks power heoted door mirrors cruise control underseat storoge overhead console purchase financing for 36 months cash purchase from 15795 ta dai i mhit liilillltl mil likatattluheriipmctofmiiidpramimttufadmnnymwhudi iv kvll hii mlltlsiif iiiiiiii hikctxkrtoufwrtttmdmjmmprthmuwcndpcwtrtrciflwwrontycovtwgt wwwmaidaca markham mazda 5396 hwy 7 9052941210 graduates cet un fiodiiiohbl 5750 off purckrsc or iease