Rash of copper thefts prompts warning from Nova Scotia Power

Nova Scotia Power is warning people about the safety risks of stealing copper wire after a string of thefts in Cape Breton.

David Rodenhiser, communications manager for Nova Scotia Power, said live wire can carry more than 25,000 volts of electricity.

"There's a real high hazard of electrocution in doing or attempting this type of theft," he said. "There's a real risk that someone could be very seriously injured orkilled trying to do this."

The thefts occurred over the past month andare much different than the ones normally documented by Nova Scotia Power, which usually happen atsubstations.

"These ones have been more so along the linesstrung along the poles, so it's a different style of theft," said Rodenhiser.

A news release from the company said the ground wire being stolen is designed to protect workers and prevent equipment failure.

Police are investigating

Nova Scotia Power said the thefts occurred in the North Sydney, Big Baddeck, Grand Narrows and Kempt Head areas.

Cape Breton Regional Police and Baddeck RCMP are investigating.

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