Some thieves in Prince George used a chainsaw to cut down two power poles on Wednesday at the Old Cariboo Highway according to BC Hydro.
The offenders allegedly removed components of the equipment on the power pole to try to steal copper.
Metal theft is a huge concern for BC Hydro who believe the crime affects the safety of the public and BC Hydro employees and also has an impact on the reliability of the electrical system.
“It’s just a terrible little crime because it doesn’t help anybody and the amount of copper stolen was less than $10 and the significant part about it is that it creates a public safety hazard as you’ve got 25,000-volt lines down on the ground and in close proximity of the public,” says Bob Gammer, spokesperson.
Damage to the downed transformer caused an oil spill, which required a specialized spill crew to prevent damage to the environment.
BC Hydro is reminding the public to stay back at least ten metres and dial 911 immediately if they come across a downed line and to report any suspicious activity around power lines to the RCMP.
Crews are working to complete the repairs.
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