Newfoundland Power doubles reward for info on copper theft, issues stern warning
Newfoundland Power is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone with information on a copper theft from the company's substation in Lethbridge.
During the theft, which happened on or before Dec. 4, vandals cut a hole in the fence, caused damage to electrical equipment and took copper grounding wire connected to the high-voltage grid.
The vandalism and theft is the second incident in two weeks, after a break-in at the company's station in Boyd's Cove.
"This illegal activity has to stop before it is too late and someone is seriously injured or killed," said Garry Murray, vice-president of engineering operations for Newfoundland Power.
Stealing grounding wire compromises the reliability of the electrical system, the company said in a press release, and makes repairs to the system dangerous for employees. It can also cause lengthy power outages, as the grid has to be powered down for repairs to be made.
The company had previously offered a $5,000 reward for information regarding thefts on its property.
Murray said the doubling of that amount shows Newfoundland Power is taking these thefts seriously.
"We are appealing to the public to help us put a stop to this dangerous, illegal activity."
