Police are appealing for information after a significant amount of copper wiring was stolen in Marton last weekend.
On Saturday 24 October, around 10am, Police were made aware that two wooden power poles on Turakina Valley Road had been cut down and approximately 300 metres of copper powerline wiring had been stolen.
Marton Prevention Sergeant Colin Wright says the theft occurred between 4.15am and 4.30am that morning, leading to a power outage on Turakina Valley Road near Christophers Road, which is what alerted the power company to the incident.
"It is going to cost approximately $500,000 to replace what was stolen - thefts of this nature are extremely inconvenient for not just the power companies, but also the residents affected by the inevitable power outages.
"Further to this, it is also very dangerous to tamper with powerlines and anyone who does so risks seriously injuring themselves or others," says Sergeant Wright.
Police are appealing for anyone with information on this incident to please come forward.
"300 metres of powerlines is not a something that can be easily concealed, we believe there will be someone who has potentially seen another person with the wiring or know where it is - do the right thing and contact us."
"I want to remind scrap metal dealers that it is illegal to purchase stolen copper or metal, and while it can sometimes be hard to detect, we urge you to report any suspicious sales or attempted sales to Police immediately," says Sergeant Wright.
Police would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, in the Turakina Valley Road and surrounding area, on Saturday 24 October between 4am and 4.45am.
Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 261027/8281. You can also make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
