(BLUEWATER, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking tips from the public to help solve some recent copper wire thefts that have taken place.
Sometime between February 21 and February 26, 2020 copper wire thieves stole the copper grounding wires from seven wind turbine sites within the Municipality of Bluewater. The thieves forced entry into the sites by cutting locks and then they accessed and stole the ground wires.
The total value of the stolen copper is estimated at approximately $1,400. In addition, the damages to the wind turbines and properties is estimated at $7,000.
The consequences of stolen copper can go well beyond the financial impact. Power outages and the loss of vital communications can compromise public safety. Damaged or cut communication lines have the potential for loss of 911 services or communications to hospitals. Vandalism associated with the theft of copper wire may also disrupt the flow of electricity affecting street and traffic lights, highway warning signs and railway signals.
The damage from a copper wire theft can also create an unsafe environment. The removal of live copper wire used to ground electricity can pose serious safety threats to first responders, hydro employees and the culprits. Individuals are exposed to the risk of electric shock, fire, explosion, injury and death.
The vast majority of reported copper wire thefts have taken place overnight during the early morning hours. As such investigators are encouraging the public to be on the lookout for suspicious activity around hydro substations and wind turbine sites. Should you see suspicious activity around these sites please record as much information as possible and contact police.
9-1-1 can be used for crimes in progress and emergency situations. Non-emergent information can be relayed to Huron OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.
Alternatively, should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000