Warnings that thefts could be life-threatening
Copper thefts lead to a warning about life-threatening consequences of vandalism at utility substations
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National Grid substations alone have had 48 break-ins already this year, with thieves taking copper, and the spike in copper thefts is now leading the utility to offer a reward, and a warning.
The big concern with the electrical break-ins, where thieves are cutting through perimeter fences and removing grounding wires from equipment, is that ungrounded electricity then runs through the ground --which could shock or electrocute the thieves, or workers, or others in the area. The real worry is that an innocent bystander will get killed by ungrounded electricity, the result of vandalism that's part of the thefts.
National Grid is offering a $250 reward to anyone, but especially scrap metal dealers and recyclers, who lead to an arrest or conviction of a thief. At a news conference at a Syracuse power substation this morning, the utility also announced it was partnering with Syracuse Police and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office to form a Copper Theft Task Force. James Pierie, who's Director of Overhead Lines for National Grid in this region, says the utility is also increasing security surveillance at its substations and at critical facilities.
The price of copper is between $3- and $3.50 per pound and it's been higher. Syracuse Police are, right now, investigating 15 cases of theft in National Grid facilities in Syracuse alone. Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh says there have been 20 at county-wide facilities, just in the last month. He also points out that the thieves arrested--ten so far, with five more arrests pending, have criminal records for taking other substances, but "they've moved into copper because it's a little more profitable item for them to steal."
