Detroit Edison offers reward for copper
wire theft info
Detroit Edison is offering a $1,000 reward for
information that leads to the arrest of anyone who steals copper
wire from the utility.
Electric lines have become an attractive target
for thieves, as the price of scrap copper has increased in recent
months. Electric utilities across the country - including Detroit
Edison - are seeing copper power lines disappear on a regular basis,
according to Michael Lynch, chief security officer for DTE Energy,
the parent company of Detroit Edison.
"We've seen a dramatic increase in the theft
of copper electrical wires, and it has pretty much coincided with
the rising price of scrap copper," Lynch said. "It's hard
to believe, but thieves are cutting down energized electrical lines,
and risking their lives for a few dollars worth of scrap metal."
Besides the obvious danger involved in stealing
electrical wires, the crime also disrupts power to homes and businesses,
and costs Detroit Edison thousands of dollars to repair and replace
its equipment.
Anyone with information regarding the theft of
Detroit Edison lines or equipment should contact their local police
department, or Detroit Edison's security department at 313-235-9119. |
