ENDEAVOUR Energy is appealing to Hawkesbury residents to report copper theft or suspicious movements around infrastructure.
The appeal comes after police arrested a man for attempted copper theft from live electrical equipment in the Hills/Hawkesbury area last week. The police have not revealed more specific location details.
“This man is extremely lucky to have not been seriously hurt,” Endeavour Energy’s Andrew Pitman said.
“In the past five years, two people have died after trying to steal copper from the Endeavour Energy network. The message for would-be thieves is that the price of stolen copper is not worth your life nor time in jail.
“Stealing copper from the electricity network is a dangerous crime that risks serious injury and severe penalties.
“Copper theft from the electricity network also puts the community at risk from exposed wires and unearthed electrical equipment.”
Despite extensive security measures now in place, Mr Pitman said there were still some people who would not be deterred from stealing copper from live electrical equipment.
“We have a suite of initiatives to deter copper theft such as high security fencing, video surveillance, security patrols and unique data dot technology so we can trace stolen copper.
“While this has helped reduce copper theft, the community still plays an important role in reporting suspicious activity in and around Endeavour Energy’s network.”
Suspicious activity around power infrastructure or attempts to sell stolen copper wire can be reported anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
