Detroit Edison Offers Reward for Theft Info
November 01 2006 - 8:23AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Edison is offering a $1,000
reward for information that leads to the arrest of anyone who
steals copper wire from the utility. Electric lines have become an
attractive target for thieves, as the price of scrap copper has
increased in recent months. Electric utilities across the country -
including Detroit Edison - are seeing copper power lines disappear
on a regular basis, according to Michael Lynch, chief security
officer for DTE Energy, the parent company of Detroit Edison.
"We've seen a dramatic increase in the theft of copper electrical
wires, and it has pretty much coincided with the rising price of
scrap copper," Lynch said. "It's hard to believe, but thieves are
cutting down energized electrical lines, and risking their lives
for a few dollars worth of scrap metal." Besides the obvious danger
involved in stealing electrical wires, the crime also disrupts
power to homes and businesses, and costs Detroit Edison thousands
of dollars to repair and replace its equipment. Anyone with
information regarding the theft of Detroit Edison lines or
equipment should contact their local police department, or Detroit
Edison's security department at (313) 235-9119. DATASOURCE: Detroit
Edison CONTACT: Len Singer, +1-313-235-8809, or Lorie N. Kessler,
+1-313-235-8807, both of Detroit Edison Web site:
http://www.dteenergy.com/
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