ERMA- The Lower Township Police Department is investigating the theft of numerous ground wires from utility poles.
The first report was received from a homeowner in the North Cape May section of the township which was investigated by Patrolman Eric Coombs, whom through a continuing investigation revealed a couple dozen utility poles which had been damaged.
Police urge citizens to contact the police whenever they experience a suspicious situation in their neighborhood including noise, suspicious vehicles posing as a utility company vehicle or persons suspicious to the area.
Anyone with information regarding this crime or any other crime is asked to contact the Police Department at 886-2711 or the confidential tip-line at 886-1619 ext. 156
On Dec. 23, the Herald reported 20 electric poles in Rio Grande had ground wires cut.
Atlantic City Electric spokesman Arthur Garcia said the copper wire connected to the ground rods on poles runs from the ground rod up the side of the pole to the transformer. He said the copper wire and ground rod serve as safety mechanisms.
If the transformer is struck by lightning, the copper wire and ground rod would protect the pole from fire or other damage. In addition, without the ground rod and copper wire, a lightning strike could end up damaging other electrical equipment connected to the circuit.
Garcia said this was not an issue that just affects Atlantic City Electric; utilities across the country are experiencing this problem as well.
“We’ve experienced several incidents of copper theft from our poles and it’s a serious problem because removing ground wire from our equipment can create a safety hazard,” he said. “We are concerned for the safety of our employees and our customers. We are asking for the public’s help before someone is seriously injured or the electric system is affected by these illegal actions.”
A man in Cranston, Rhode Island was charged last week with a felony larceny charge after cutting ground wires from utility poles.
