A dramatic rise in copper thefts from power poles has prompted North Canterbury lines company MainPower to take a firm stance, including offering a $5,000.00 reward for significant information relating to the tampering with or theft of copper earthing wires.
MainPower Chief Executive Sean Horgan says the company has seen a large number of copper earthing wires cut and stolen from power poles across the electricity network since the beginning of the year.
“We have experienced more than 200 thefts this year alone. The growing number of incidents is putting pressure on our resources and costing our community a lot in replacement and operational time.
“Not only are the thefts expensive and disruptive for our customers, it’s also incredibly dangerous. The earth wires play a critical role in maintaining a safe and stable electricity system and their removal compromises an important safety mechanism.
“We estimate the opportunity cost to MainPower to repair thefts so far this year at more than $1million. That money would be much better spent on upgrading the MainPower electricity network or supporting the communities of North Canterbury. As a community-trust owned business, copper theft is costing every power consumer in the region.”
Mr Horgan says the lines company is taking the unusual step of offering a reward for information given the safety concerns, the cost of replacement and the immediate need to curb the activity and encourages anyone with significant information to call 0800 WIRETHEFT to report it.
“The value of the copper being stolen is low in the grand scheme of things. Copper currently sells for around $14 – $17 per kg, and each theft nets very little. To gain a few dollars, the individuals engaging in these high-risk criminal activities are putting our communities at risk of injury or even loss of life.
“These thefts undermine the safety and reliability of the network and reduce confidence in essential infrastructure our communities rely on. Therefore, we are putting up a reward of $5,000.00.”
A community safety risk
Copper earthing wires are a safety feature. If there is a fault on a power pole, an earth wire will direct electricity safely into the ground. When earth wires are cut or stolen, there is a risk of electric shock, burns or fire, as well as the risk associated with removing an important safety feature from power poles.
“When these materials are stolen, it not only compromises the integrity of our infrastructure but also puts our customers and the community at risk of electrical hazards,” Mr Horgan says.
“We are also working closely with a private investigator who is independently investigating incidents of copper theft.”
Please contact the Wire Theft Information Team on 0800 WIRETHEFT (0800 947 384) or email wiretheft@mainpower.co.nz to share significant information you would like considered for the reward. The reward conditions are available to view on the MainPower website.
Community awareness
These thefts have been reported to Police for investigation.
If you see suspicious people or vehicles interfering with power poles, cabling, or other network equipment, please contact Police.
- Call 111 if the activity is happening now or poses an immediate risk.
- If you see anything that doesn’t look right, especially any loose wires or damaged poles, please report it to MainPower immediately. To report any damage to MainPower’s electricity infrastructure, please call MainPower on 0800 30 90 80.
- Call 0800 WIRETHEFT (0800 947 384) or email wiretheft@mainpower.co.nz if it isn’t happening now and you want to share information about the thefts to be considered for the reward.
