April 8, 2013
Would-be thieves who broke into a Kingaroy electricity sub-station risked electric shock and death, Ergon Energy warned today.
A spokesman said it was believed the intruders were looking to steal copper wire, which is not stored in sub-stations anyway.
“The intruders also left a gaping hole in the perimeter fence that had the potential to allow access to others, including children,” General Manager Services Delivery Southern Paul Jordon said.
“Our substations and electrical assets are fenced and signed for good reason – they are high voltage enclosures. Unauthorised access and damage to assets is a safety issue and it does put people’s lives at risk.”
The intruders cut the fence, locks and damaged drums of cabling on April 3.
“There is always a concern that someone could be seriously hurt or worse in an attempted theft of copper, especially when live electricity assets are involved,” Mr Jordon said.
“Copper theft is not only dangerous for thieves, but it can also be highly disruptive to the community if electricity supply, telecommunications, electronic banking or rail services are interrupted through theft of material.”
