Thieves Caught Stealing from Four County EMC Substation
May 6th, 2015Despite the danger, thieves seem to have no problem breaking into substations to steal tools or whatever else they can get their hands on.
Two masked men broke into York Substation in Bladen County attempting to steal tools and equipment locked in trailers, located inside the substation. Using hidden motion cameras, Four County EMC was watching on this evening in April.
Bladen County Sheriff’s Department responded immediately, thieves fled on foot leaving behind the materials they had collected in the short time inside the substation, materials estimated at $3,500.
The attempt to steal tools and equipment during the recent break-in to the York substation isn't the only thing Four County EMC and area law enforcement officials are combating. Criminals have also been breaking into substations to steal copper, this is a very dangerous act and at times causes power outages for thousands of Four County EMC members.
We need your help to keep our equipment safe, prevent outages and save lives. Thieves who steal tools, copper, aluminum and other metals cost Four County EMC thousands of dollars a year.
Four County EMC is offering a $2,500 REWARD for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for stealing copper from our poles, substations or facilities.
“Our investment in the substation cameras and lighting is paying off, said CEO Mitchell Keel. We will not tolerate anyone putting our members or employees in danger, we’ll continue using our security system to bring these thieves to a halt.”
“We encourage all citizens to report any suspicious activity around our electric system or equipment to 911 or Four County EMC immediately,” stated Keel.