08/18/20
This year we have issued a virtual warning regarding the risks pipeline theft attempts may pose to the communities surrounding the facilities. On 8/16 we launched a Facebook page, “Dial 168 Toll Free”, for the purpose of reiterating information about security in the pipeline easement strips. The initiative was started on Dial 168 Day, the date when we celebrated Pipeline Easement Strip Security Day for the third consecutive year, and we take the opportunity to divulge the 168 number. This number continues to be the official company channel for direct communication to report information on non-authorized activities on the pipelines. Confidentiality is ensured, the call is toll free, and the service operates 24/7.
Community engagement with the company in the fight against the illegal practice of oil and derivatives thefts, also known as clandestine tapping, has produced results. Comparing the first semester of last year with the same period in 2020 there was a 51% increase in calls to the channel about theft, damage and/or invasions and the presence of machinery, vehicle and suspicious persons in the pipeline easement strips. We always emphasize the importance of collaboration by the residents surrounding the pipelines in order to minimize the dangers everyone incurs from these criminal acts.
Door to door activities
Furthermore we are conducting a door to door campaign in communities in the State of São Paulo considered strategic for a chat with families between 8/10 and 8/20. We seek to increase awareness by the local population and encourage people to use the 168 channel to report suspicions about clandestine tapping, in addition to reinforcing the local emergency plan in the event of incidents. The teams involved are making the contacts and following all existing protocols for the coronavirus pandemic.
The activities are being conducted in communities in the cities of São Paulo, Guarulhos, Salesópolis, Santa Branca, Santa Isabel and Nazaré. In São Paulo, the activity will be in Parque Savoy, in the communities of Savoyzinho, Mar Vermelho and Jardim Nossa Senhora do Carmo. In Guarulhos, communicators are present in Bairro dos Pimentas, in the community of Parque Jandaia. In Salesópolis e Santa Branca, door to door activities occur at Hotel Fazendão, in the communities Nascente do Tietê, Hidalgos, Mirandas and Cooperativa de Eucaliptos. In Santa Isabel and Nazaré, they are being held at Estrada da Pedra Branca and Estrada do Cuiabá.
Pró-Dutos Program
The activities are part of the Petrobras Pipeline Protection Program (Pró-Dutos). In addition to the relationship with communities neighboring the pipeline networks, the program includes various other initiatives for combating, reducing and mitigating risks related to pipeline thefts. There are multidisciplinary actions in six areas: intelligence, legislation, social responsibility, communications, operations technology and contingency technology – all developed in collaboration with state and federal government intelligence and security forces.
Clandestine tapping constitutes a real risk of leaks, fire, or explosions. Non-authorized interventions may impact the life of the surrounding communities to the pipeline easement strips, the environment through soil and river contamination, and consumers and the economy. In addition to the 168 number, the company may be contacted by the instant digital message service WhatsApp, at number (21) 999920-168, with text, voice, or video messages or even photographs of suspicious activity in the vicinity of the pipelines. Anyone detecting a strong fuel smell or observing persons or heavy equipment operating near the pipelines, especially outside business hours, should dial 168. The call is toll free and confidentiality is assured.
Another available tool is the pipeline theft link. The page includes the company’s fuel theft prevention activities and explains how pipeline transportation operates, and has other related information on the subject.