Cash Reward offered to Stem Utility Metal Thefts, Feb. 5

Thieves stealing wire from power poles in Coos County are increasingly endangering linemen and residents and costing money in repairs. Pacific Power and CCEC are offering a cash reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the perpetrators. Since July 2014, Pacific Power has experienced 15 wire theft incidents in Coos County. The criminal activity increased toward the end of the year, prompting the increased focus and cash reward offer. These thefts have occurred primarily in rural areas of the county and generally take place at night. No power outages have occurred due to the crimes because the thieves only took the neutral wires, not the energized ones. “These thefts create an unnecessary safety and financial burden on our customers and we are taking aggressive action to stop it,” said Doug Butler, vice president of operations for Pacific Power. “One of the best ways to stop it is to reach out to those who are affected most – our neighbors on the south coast.” “We are seeing more and more of this type of damage to our system and it greatly concerns us,” said Roger Meader, CEO and general manager of CCEC. “Repairs put additional cost pressure on both utilities at a time when everything possible is being done to minimize cost increases to electric consumers. Damaging the electric system puts crews at risk as they go about their work on the local power grid and the thieves themselves are in mortal danger when they perform these criminal acts.” The cost to repair or replace the damage over the last two years is more than $200,000 on Pacific Power’s Coos County system alone. “Rewards work,” said Butler. “Last year, we paid out two $3,000 rewards and now two metal thieves in the Yakima, Washington area are behind bars, convicted of causing thousands of dollars in damages. We can have the same kind of success here. If you see something or know someone is up to no good, go to the police. The system is confidential, anonymous, and it works.” Working with law enforcement officials and local scrap dealers, the two utilities ask the public to report any incidents where they see individuals loitering near service yards, climbing poles or carrying coiled wire when there are no Pacific Power or CCEC vehicles in the vicinity. Except during local power outages, Pacific Power and CCEC crews usually will not be working at night. Pacific Power and CCEC crews use company-marked vehicles, wear company gear and surround any work vehicles with orange safety cones. Anyone working on power lines or facilities and not clearly identified as a member of Pacific Power or CCEC crew should be considered suspicious. If residents see any suspicious activity around power poles, do not confront these individuals, but dial 9-1-1. If anyone has knowledge of past thefts, please call: Coos County Sheriff’s Office 541-396-7830; Oregon State Police Southern Command Dispatch Center 800-442-2068; Coos Bay Police Department 541-269-8911; North Bend Police Department 541-756-8500. Tips can also be sent by email to: crimetips2OSP@state.or.us. Tips should include specific details including the type of case and information related to the criminal investigation. Even though tips may be received anonymously, those providing tips are encouraged to give contact information for follow-up by the investigator(s), if needed.