Power network warns copper thieves
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Central Networks is urgently repeating its warning for people to stay clear of its power network after two men were killed and another badly injured while trying to steal metal from substations in the West Midlands.
The two separate incidents, in Willenhall and in Halesowen, also cut power to thousands of people in the area.
In June this year two men died after inhaling carbon dioxide released from a transformer as they tried to steal copper from a disused factory on the Excelsior Industrial Estate in Halesowen.
Last week an Alumwell man was jailed for two years for trying to steal copper wiring from a substation in Willenhall. He also suffered a massive electric shock when he tried to remove the metal from the substation in Bilston Street.
Central Networks, which supplies power to 9.5 million people from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh borders, works closely with the charity Crimestoppers to offer a £1,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible for such incidents.
