Copper theft sparks concern

Alleged copper thieves are putting themselves and the wider community at risk by targeting power poles, including a recent incident reported on Worthington Road in Wellsford. Electricity Networks Aotearoa chief executive Tracey Kai said thefts involving electricity network equipment were on the rise. “Thieves are risking their lives and endangering communities by tampering with electricity network equipment to steal copper. Scaling power lines and removing parts of wires can cause electrocution and potentially death. It also puts the local lines crews and wider community in danger due to exposed wires. In its most pure form, copper is only worth about $10 per kg and less pure copper is worth a lot less.” Kai urged members of the public to report anyone acting suspiciously around power lines or substations by calling 111 immediately. “Then call your local electricity lines company so they can make the area safe.”