Police arrested the employee, a man, 36, last week after a lengthy investigation into the installation of bypasses on new water meters in Welland, allowing the users to consume loads of water without it being reflected on the bill.

Homeowners with bypasses installed have until Dec. 19 to come forward and will face no legal action until that date. After that, people found with faulty meters could face theft charges under provincial and municipal laws, said police in a media release.

The decision to allow the amnesty period was made during a recent in-camera meeting of council, confirmed city engineer Sal Iannello. The city was first notified of the possible thefts in June when the investigation began.

"We've been aware for a long time," Iannello said. "Police asked us not to make any public statements until they charged the guy."

After homeowners come forward, Neptune, the company contracted by the city to install the devices, will be contacted to repair the meter. The company is bearing the costs, said Iannello.

The tampered meter repairs are the already-contentious project's "priority," he said. Since the amnesty notice went out late last week, about 10 people have come forward, Iannello said.

Those who don't will be caught, he said.

"We can find them," said Iannello. "It just takes time to find them."

After the amnesty period, the city will be following up by checking every meter installed by the suspect. People with larger bills will be checked last, said Iannello.

The investigation began after the employee asked a public works employee if he was open to having a bypass installed. The employee told the city, and police were notified.

Iannello said the amnesty period was granted because some people may have not understood they were stealing.

As well, the city is more concerned with correcting all the altered meters than laying criminal charges.

"If everyone who does it comes forward, everything will be a lot easier," he said.

The suspect told police a total of eight meters were altered, said Iannello, although 10 people have come forward. He said some people are unsure if their meters were bypassed, while another woman said she was told the money was for a service charge.

Regardless, Iannello said the "logical guess" is that the number would be small.

It is still unwelcome news during a tight budget cycle, especially in the water and sewer capital projects department.

Any water stolen following the installation would be logged in the water loss ledger, said Iannello, along with leaks and hydrant usage.

"It's not helpful," Iannello said. "There's no question."

To report a tampered meter, call the city's engineering department at 905-735-1700 extension 2217.

Calls to Neptune Technologies district manager Angela Zapp were not returned by Niagara this Week's press deadline.