Thieves looking for copper resorted to cutting down two power poles.
The act occurred on Old Cariboo Highway on Wednesday, according to BC Hydro, adding the
perpetrators removed components of the equipment on the power pole to try to steal copper.
They made off with less than $10 worth of the metal, BC Hydro spokesman Bob Gammer said.
"However, in doing so, they caused thousands of dollars in damage and cleanup," he said.
The damage included a downed transformer which caused an oil spill that needed a specialized spill crew to deal with..
The thieves also put their lives at risk as the downed line carried 25,000 volts of electricity.
BC Hydro is reminding the public to stay back at least ten metres and dial 911 immediately if they come across a downed line, and to report any suspicious activity around power lines to the RCMP.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.
Tips can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or by texting CRIMES using keyword "pgtips."
