Copper theft danger warnings
This is serious stuff. As in, PUC Services Inc. and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wish to remind residents that copper theft from utility equipment poses serious safety risks, power interruptions, and costly repairs.
Despite the numerous monitoring and preventive measures PUC has put in place to prevent copper theft, the number of thefts continue to rise locally, in line with a growing trend across Canada. PUC urges its customers to assist in keeping our community safe by reporting any suspicious activity around utility infrastructure to the police immediately.
“Utility infrastructure is essential to provide safe and reliable service to our community,” said Janis Gartshore, who is the PUC”s manager of safety and environment. “Removing copper from utility equipment puts the individual involved, the public and our crews at risk.”
How To Stay Safe
Copper theft and vandalism can expose energized equipment and damage the electricity system. If you see a downed or hanging wire, damaged electrical enclosure, or suspicious activity near poles, substations, transformers, or streetlights:
- Stay back and never touch the equipment.
- Treat every wire as energized.
- Never confront someone suspected of theft; report it instead.
- Call 911 for an immediate public safety threat or crime in progress.
- Contact the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service non-emergency line if you observe suspicious
activity around utility panels, construction sites, or commercial properties.
