Copper thieves have been targeting utility poles in Johnston and Harnett counties. On Tuesday, $30,000 worth of copper wires was reported stolen by Duke Energy from their power poles on County Line Road outside of Benson.
Power company officials said the thefts occurred in two different locations on County Line Road sometime since August 16th.
Officials said they responded to a report of a low-hanging wire from a customer. When they arrived they determined it was a copper ground wire that had been cut by the thieves.
The thieves are pulling and stealing the copper ground wires from high voltage lines and if they grab the wrong wire they could easily be injured or killed.
Anyone who sees any person around any utility poles – especially in rural areas – that is not with their local power company is asked to contact their nearest law enforcement agency. Anyone with any information about the thefts in Johnston and Harnett Counties is also asked to call authorities.
