Copper wire thieves putting lives at risk

The theft of live copper power cable in eastern Waikato is again raising fears that someone could be seriously injured or killed.

Sergeant Rod Smart of Morrinsville police said hundreds of metres of copper wire had been stolen from rural areas around Te Aroha and Morrinsville in recent weeks.

Most of the thefts involved live wires.

"The lines targeted are often those going to water pumps and cow sheds in rural areas where the loss of power isn't noticed straight away."

Mr Smart said the thefts were dangerous with the potential for injury or death.

"This includes not only those involved with the theft but also other people put at risk by exposed live wires."

The thefts mirrored similar events elsewhere in the Waikato and police believed those responsible may be former employees of power companies making use of specialist training.

"Those committing these thefts obviously have some sound knowledge in the handling procedures of live power lines and probably have some specialised equipment," Mr Smart said.

"It's possible they're wearing high visibility clothing to look the part however all legitimate workers will be driving vehicles branded with the company name `Powerco."

Mr Smart said people should note the registration numbers of any suspicious vehicles.

WEL Networks general manager of operations Russell Shaw said thefts of copper lines had increased over the past two years from one or two a year to a fortnightly occurrence.

"It's become much more frequent and it's really because of the increase in the scrap value of the materials," he said.

- NZPA