Power substations have been targeted by thieves this week in Johnston County. Copper thefts have been reported at three substations on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thieves cut fences to gain access to Duke Energy facilities at 4055 Powhatan Road near Clayton and at 7152 Covered Bridge Road near Archer Lodge.
In the Clayton theft, $15,000 in copper was stolen. An estimated $10,000 in copper was taken from Archer Lodge area substation.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating both incidents.
In Smithfield, police said someone stole about $600 worth of copper from the Town of Smithfield Substation at 1951 Brogden Road.
Authorities have not ruled out the incidents could be connected.
