Thieves cut down and steal one kilometre of powerlines

25 October 2018

Ausgrid and police are investigating another dangerous theft of live copper powerlines in Port Stephens in the Hunter.

A passing Ausgrid crew spotted dangling wires near Masonite Road between Heatherbrae and Tomago on Tuesday afternoon.

When they stopped to investigate they discovered 12 spans or about 1 kilometre of copper powerlines had been cut down and taken.
Ausgrid’s General Manager of Asset Management and Operations Sam Sofi said it caused significant damage.

“Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident and we are again warning people that they are risking their lives by interfering with live electrical wires.

In August Ausgrid crews were also called to Masonite Road at Tomago after another theft of live copper cables.

In that instance a metal guard was removed and copper earth cables had been taken from a connection between underground cables and 33,000 volt overhead powerlines.

There have been a series of similar incidents across the region this year.

Over the October long weekend would-be thieves attempted to remove live copper cables from a power pole at Marks Point and interrupted supply to 1,200 customers.

The West Lake Macquarie and Toronto area has also been targeted multiple times.

In March would-be thieves used bolt cutters to cut down 150 metres of live 11,000 volt overhead powerlines near Ausgrid’s Toronto West zone substation.

All the incidents have been reported to police and anyone who may have any information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.