Source: Radio New Zealand
Thieves are stealing copper wiring from North Canterbury power lines. 123RF
Canterbury lines company MainPower is offering a $5000 reward for significant information relating to the tampering with or theft of copper earthing wires.
There have been more instances of copper theft in North Canterbury since January, compared to the whole of last year according to chief executive Sean Horgan.
“This year alone we’re up to well over 200. Over the last couple of days we’ve had another 11 that were stolen.”
Horgan said the copper that is stolen provides protection for MainPower’s equipment and for the public.
The stealing of the copper wiring impacts MainPower workers, because instead of their normal work they are also having to find and repair the power lines where the wire has been stolen, Horgan said.
And it is also costly to replace.
“We’re replacing these things. It’s about $1000 to $2000 a pop.”
The copper is on top of power poles, but not on every pole. Horgan said it is an integral part of the wider system, and it ensures the electricity runs safely to earth if there is a fault with the equipment.
Horgan said the copper runs down the length of the pole and is covered in a protective covering, and the thieves are cutting through it to take one-and-a-half to two metres of copper.
Horgan described it as an “agricultural operation”, and said thieves are using axes and wire cutters to get it out.
MainPower decided to offer a reward in the hope it would help the company find those responsible for stealing the copper, and have also enlisted the help of a private investigator.
“If you see something suspicious, our staff, the MainPower staff, are easily identifiable, they’ve got the full gear on, they look professional. If it’s somebody out the back of a car or truck with an axe, then chances are they’re up to no good, so please let us know.”
The number to report any information is 0800 WIRETHEFT (0800 947 384).
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
