Copper wire thefts in Huron County have hit an all-time high.
Over the last two months, Huron OPP officers have investigated a total of nine copper wire thefts. They were all at hydro and wind turbine substations in Bluewater and Huron East.
Six reported break, enter and thefts were from substations in Bluewater, and three reported cases were in Huron East.
Police noted that the damage to the facilities and the replacement costs far outweigh the value of the stolen copper. One theft of copper wire and clamps at a substation in Bluewater resulted in a loss of $10,000 in product, however, the damage to the facilities caused an estimated $500,000 in losses due to 40 wind turbines being shut down for a period of time.
The consequences of stolen copper can go well beyond the financial impact. Damaged or cut communication lines have the potential for loss of 911 services or communications to hospitals. The vandalism may also disrupt the flow of electricity, affecting street and traffic lights, highway warning signs and railway signals.
Investigators are encouraging the public to be on the lookout for suspicious activity around hydro substations and wind turbine sites. If you see suspicious activity around these sites please record as much information as possible and contact police.