Couple with two young children forced to flee their burning home after thieves cut power cables causing a massive power surge.

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Four homes went up in flames and hundreds were left without power in sub-zero temperatures this morning after thieves cut through a cable at an electricity substation to steal copper worth just £40.

One family, with two young children, was forced to flee their home in Greenock, Inverclyde, at 4am.

They escaped the house in Devon Road after thick smoke filled the property. The 28-year-old father was treated for smoke inhalation.

Repairs: One family was left homeless just a few weeks before Christmas

 

Devastated: Frank McGarrity, landlord of one of the properties, stands in the house which was engulfed in flames after the power surge Fires: As a result of the cable theft, small fires broke out in three homes around the area

Fires: As a result of the cable theft, small fires broke out in three homes around the area. Frank McGarrity, (left) landlord of one of the properties, stands in the house which was engulfed in flames after the power surge

The fires were sparked by a power surge from the cutting of cables in a substation in Burns Square in the town.

A spokesman for the company said the thieves risked their lives by stealing the cable which had caused an ‘incredible’ problem for local people.

The criminals took three metres of copper wire, said to be worth about £40.

By cutting the neutral wire, they caused a power surge back that caused domestic fuse boxes to blow, starting the fires.

The spokesman said: ‘There are currently 280 homes offline and engineers are working to restore it and visit all homes affected. We’re also working with the council to set up somewhere residents can go in the meantime to get something hot to eat or drink as it’s a cold day.

Fled: A family was forced to flee their smoke-filled home in the early hours after the power surge caused several fires

Fled: A family was forced to flee their smoke-filled home in the early hours after the power surge caused several fires

Intense: The heat from the fire melted the plastic on children's toys

Intense: The heat from the fire melted the plastic on children’s toys

‘The cable that was stolen was only three metres and that’s not worth more than a double-figure sum.

‘They were were lucky because there’s an 11,000-volt cable in the substation and if they had tried to cut that they would’ve been electrocuted.

‘It’s caused an incredible amount of trouble and they’re lucky to be alive.’

Police said the family forced to flee their house due to a fire had faced a ‘terrifying’ ordeal.

Inspector Jennifer Shanks said: ‘This young family have been extremely lucky that they managed to escape so quickly from their house with two very young children, however, with five weeks to go before Christmas, their house has been extensively damaged after a surge at their electricity box.

‘This terrifying fire was caused by someone stealing around £40 worth of copper piping from the nearby Burns Square substation.

Dangerous: The thieves stole metres of wire which caused fires and left hundreds of homes without power

Dangerous: The thieves stole metres of wire which caused fires and left hundreds of homes without power

Stolen: Three metres of solid copper wire, worth about £40, was stolen from the substation

Stolen: Three metres of solid copper wire, worth about £40, was stolen from the substation

‘Additionally many other families in the local area experienced fires in their homes and damage to their property.

‘Around 300 houses in the Larkfield area have been left without electricity on one of the coldest mornings of the year, some of these householders will undoubtedly have very young, or old people who are vulnerable to the cold.

‘We have said to the public many times before that the theft of metal is extremely dangerous and no more so than this morning. Around £40 worth of metal being stolen has almost cost a family their lives and left many people without power.

Damage: The electric substation in Greenock was broken into and caused several fires

Damage: The electric substation in Greenock was broken into and caused several fires

‘I would like to reassure the public that we are carrying out extensive inquiries to trace those responsible for this theft and I would ask anyone who has any information or who was in the Burns Square area of Greenock in the early hours of this morning to get in touch.’

Scottish Power said it was working to restore electricity to the area but engineers needed to visit every home affected to make sure there is no damage, or further problems could be caused when the power is turned back on – which it hoped would happen by late afternoon or early evening.

Scottish Power launched a campaign last month offering up to £10,000 for information leading to the conviction of thieves who steal metal from substations and asked anyone with information on the theft in Greenock to contact them or the police.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111. Scottish Power can be contacted on its 24-hour response line 08452 727 999.

Original Content by The Daily Mail

Thieves hit another power substation, stealing copper ground wires

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For the second day in a row, a power station belonging to the same company has been found broken into, with thieves making off with copper grounding wire.

By Carly Swain
The latest case was discovered this morning at the Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative’s substation near Maysville in Jones County. Thieves made off with several hundred feet of wire.

Unlike Wednesday’s theft in Havelock, no power outages were reported, according to the utility. In that case, some 1900 customers were left in the dark because of the theft in Havelock.

The Maysville break-in was discovered around 7:30 a.m. and thieves took ground wire off 27 structures inside the substation. CCEC says it is possible the Maysville break-in also happened on Wednesday.

In both cases, thieves cut through a chain-link fence and a locked gate to get inside. Authorities have alerted area scrap metal recyclers to be on the lookout for the copper.

The utility says stealing wire from a substation is extremely dangerous, and it can easily lead to someone being killed.

Previous Story

Nearly 2,000 people in Havelock started their Wednesday in the dark and electric company officials said that huge inconvenience was thanks to thieves.

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative said someone broke into a substation early Wednesday morning and took all of the copper ground wires. That action knocked out power.

“We are thankful no one was injured or killed,” said CCEC Communications Director Lisa Galizia. “Thefts from our substations will not only knock out power to our members, they can also cause fires, explosions and electrocution.”

Crews transferred power to another substation by 6:30 Wednesday morning to get everyone back on the grid.

Havelock police are now investigating the break-in and theft.

Original Content by WITN

ScottishPower report success with Cresatech earth monitor

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ScottishPower publish substation earth monitoring report following the successful project with Cresatech CuTS® ZM.

The report from ScottishPower Energy Networks, published on 18th July 2016 provides confirmation that “the Cresatech CuTS® unit and service is a viable solution for the detection and mitigation of safety impact and service continuity issues that result from metal infrastructure theft from electrical networks.” It “highlighted that it is possible to monitor substation assets through the use of an innovative monitoring system.”

The pervasive security, safety and service continuity issues generated by metal theft have driven power network operator’s requirements for a cost effective method of detecting such theft activity as it happens.

Cresatech CuTS® ZM sends a real time alert as the theft events occur so safety and service risks can be mitigated in the most suitable and effective manner.

“Liaising with the local districts, utilising local knowledge and reviewing past history of vandalism and theft, a number of substation locations were chosen for the trial. The locations were reviewed to ensure their suitability and an installation plan was developed with regards to available internal resources. This approach enabled the monitors to be evaluated against conventional alternative preventative measures and also increased the chance that they would be triggered for an actual theft occurrence.”

Key conclusions quoted directly from the report;

“During the trial period there was not a copper theft incident at any of the chosen 25 sites. However, a number of preplanned and random tests were carried out to simulate the removal or tampering of earthed infrastructure. These tests proved the Cresatech CuTS® system effectively detected removal or tampering of the earthed infrastructure.”

“The trial successfully proved;

  • The successful and reliable detection of copper theft and tampering at key substation locations either through test simulations or actual events.
  • Low incidences of mal-operation and spurious alarms”

It was concluded that “The (Cresatech CuTS®) monitors adequately detected when earthing was removed or tampered with during testing”

“Remote monitoring technologies in general are likely to support multiple business cases, potentially across multiple stakeholders.  In the case of this project in addition to security, it has become clear that other benefits include;

  • Safety (for employees and public on-site and further downstream in the network); and
  • Operational efficiency (for example, asset protection, planned maintenance etc.) “

 

To read the full report on IFI 1209 and see the supporting documents including a Cost Benefit Analysis and video, please go to ScottishPower & Cresatech Report

Or send us your details on our contact page. 

To receive all 4 report documents please contact us and they will be sent direct to your mailbox.

Copper Thieves at ESB substation sparked €10m fire – April 2016

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Thieves ‘attempting to steal copper wire’ from ESB substation sparked €10m fire

Gardai have appealed for help after it emerged that thieves stealing copper wire from an ESB substation caused a massive fire costing€10million worth of damage.

The ESB has revealed that 120,000 customers were left without power when the 220KV substation in Inchicore, South Dublin was targeted last night.

In a statement, released this evening by Crimestoppers, it was confirmed that the damage was caused by “third party interference”.

“Following an initial investigation by ESB Networks it has become apparent that this incident was caused by third party interference, where thieves were attempting to steal copper wire from the site.

 

Photo: Steve Humphreys

 

“The overall cost to ESB of this incident is estimated at up to €10million.”

A spokesman for Crimestoppers also confirmed that there will be a reward for information that leads to a prosecution in this case.

ESB Networks has reminded the public and perpetrators of the criminal activity of the dangers of interfering with our electricity infrastructure.

“Such interference is a highly dangerous activity with the perpetrators putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.”

The massive blaze caused the loss of electricity supply to customers across Inchicore, Lucan, Tallaght and Rathfarnham and other parts of West Dublin for 50 minutes.

Since 2012, over 150km of copper valued at €3million has been stolen, with a replacement cost to ESB Networks at €28million. The rise in thefts forced the electricity supplier to launch a nationwide campaign last August.

Local councillor Daithí deRoiste (FF) has blasted the thieves, explaining that a huge number of people were adversely affected by the power-cut.

 

“This is an utter disgrace. These people are nothing but scumbags who care only about themselves.”

 

Cllr deRoiste explained that parts of West Dublin were thrown into darkness on Sunday night when the fire broke out.

“The amount of people without electricity was phenomenal. The amount of children who went to bed hungry because there was no way of cooking food and all the restaurants were closed.

“The ESB said it cost €10million but that doesn’t take account of the money lost by businesses. Managers and owners had to send staff home early because they couldn’t stay open.

 

“A lot of these staff went without wages.”

 

Crimestoppers, an Garda Síochána and ESB Networks are calling on members of the public to be vigilant for suspicious activity and to come forward with information.

Such information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers confidential telephone service by calling 1800 25 00 25.

Alternatively, information can be provided to your local Garda station or ESB Networks on 1850 372 999.

 

ESB Networks have reminded customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

  • Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully
  • Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost
  • Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored
  • Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames
  • Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries
  • Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.

Source The Independent

Copper theft at Sheffield substation sparks power surge

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Televisions and microwaves in some Sheffield homes have been damaged after copper thefts at two substations caused a power surge.

CE Electric UK said about 400 customers in the Batemoor area of the city were without power.

A spokeswoman said there had been reports of damage to some appliances.

The power surge is thought to have been caused by thieves cutting a conductor at the substations as they stole copper from the sites.

The spokeswoman said engineers were working to restore power to the homes as quickly as possible

South Yorkshire Police confirmed it was investigating the thefts on Saturday morning.

A spokesman said they were working with the fire service and CE Electric UK.

Source BBC

Man fatally injured at Staffordshire substation

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A man has died at an electrical substation in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the substation in Ore Close just before 2100 BST on Monday.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said a 46-year-old Chesterton man was found injured on the ground of the substation compound.

He said the man, who has not yet been identified, subsequently died from injuries received on site and his death was not being treated as suspicious.

‘Tragic loss’

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the man’s death to get in touch.

Phil Swift, Western Power Distribution’s network services manager, said: “This tragic loss of life serves as a reminder to everyone that entering an electricity substation can put you at serious risk of electrocution resulting in severe burns or death.

“We would urge anyone who witnesses any member of the public entering a substation to notify the police immediately.”

Source BBC

Substation vandals ‘risking lives’

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Vandals who have carried out 17 attacks on electricity substations are endangering their lives, police have said. Security has been stepped up at sites in the Tandridge and Redhill areas of Surrey in response to the incidents.

But police and electricity suppliers EDF Energy, until recently known as Seeboard, said vandals were continuing to damage substation premises despite warnings before Christmas.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “In one recent incident, vandals were within a whisker of coming into 11,000 volts of electricity – the results of which would have been fatal.”

The attacks have also disrupted power supplies to homes and business.

‘Hefty fine’

Between the end of November and Christmas, there were 13 incidents, with a further four this month.

Barry Hatton, EDF Energy’s head of network services, said those responsible were using heavy duty cutting equipment to break into substation premises.

He said: “It is only a matter of time before luck runs out for these vandals.

“At best they will then be looking at a hefty fine or prison sentence, as we are working very closely with the police.

“At worst, their reckless actions could result in death.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police.

EDF Energy operates 70,000 substations across the South East, East and London.

Source BBC

Scottish Power sets aside £20,000 for rewards to stop metal thefts

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One of Scotland’s largest power firms has set aside £20,000 to offer rewards for information which lead to metal thieves being caught.

Scottish Power said about 20 incidents had been reported across central Scotland in just over two weeks.

These include thefts at Milngavie, Dalry, Shotts, Falkirk, Kilbarchan, Larkhall and Slamannan.

In one incident, 1,500 homes suffered a blackout after a truck hit a power line brought down over a road.

Guy Jefferson, network operations director at Scottish Power Energy Networks, said: “Metal theft is one of the biggest threats to the safety of the electricity network, and the impact of these crimes can be devastating.

“In recent years we have witnessed house fires and damaged electrical appliances in homes.”

‘Horrific burns’

He added: “One man died recently attempting to steal copper from an electricity pole in Lanarkshire, and others have suffered horrific burns, loss of limbs and scarring.”

Scottish Power said there had been more than 850 metal thefts on its network since January 2011.

One incident last year from a substation in Greenock resulted in two serious house fires and more than 200 properties suffering a blackout.

In 2011, a botched cable theft in Glasgow saw a 30-minute power outage for 50,000 properties in the city’s south side.

Mr Jefferson added: “We continue to increase our own security measures, and work closely with the police and other industries affected by this crime.

“I’d urge anyone who spots suspicious behaviour near our power lines to report what they have seen to the police.”

Source BBC

Collaborative efforts help combat metal thieves

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Reports of metal theft have reduced by around 50% across the Midlands this year.

The number of thefts from the electricity distribution network has also fallen. Western Power Distribution (WPD), which manages the electricity power network for the region has reported a significant reduction with 251 incidents so far this year compared to 495 in 2012.

But WPD Security manager Peter Lowe says there can be no room for complacency: “Safety is our number one priority, which is why we have put a raft of measures in place to deter metal theft, but we have to remain vigilant.

“Some people are still prepared to dice with death in spite of the extremely high voltages involved with our equipment, and for very small reward. In doing so they put at risk the lives of our engineers who have to repair and replace infrastructure that may have been left in an unsafe condition, and the lives of innocent members of the public who could become victims,” he said.

To deter thieves, WPD has stepped up security with CCTV, anti-vandal paint, electric fences, patrols, intruder alarms and by applying the forensically traceable solution Smartwater to its equipment.

It has also forged close links with police and scrap metal dealers – publishing a booklet and posters to help them easily identify WPD cables and equipment.

As an active partner, WPD sits on four regional Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) metal theft groups and helps with anti-metal theft operations and educational and enforcement visits to scrap metal dealers.

WPD recently opened the doors of its Tipton depot as a venue for the West Midlands group which comprises of West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Warwickshire and British Transport Police. Over eighty officers took part over two days of training which included presentations from industry and culminated in a tour of WPD’s state-of-the-art engineering academy where officers could see, in a safe environment, the types of electrical assets that were being targeted.

Source: Western Power Distribution

“There is no doubt that our partnership with the police has led to a significant reduction in thefts but the problem still exists and we will maintain our resolve to combat the thieves,” said Peter.

Chief Inspector Ricky Fields heads up the regional metal theft group. He said: “By working together with neighbouring forces, government and industry we are taking a comprehensive approach to metal theft and, in turn, trying to stay one step ahead of criminals across the region.

“We patrol hotspot areas and work closely with the owners of vulnerable buildings, such as churches and power stations, to provide crime prevention advice.

“We are also running Operation Tornado, a British Transport Police-led initiative from the Association of Chief Police Officers, which requires all scrap metal dealers in the East Midlands to comply with stringent rules when it comes to buying scrap.

“We regularly stage ad-hoc roadside operations in the Midlands in a bid to keep thieves and handlers on their toes and send the message out that no time or place is safe to commit crime on our watch.”

To report suspicious activity or any information about metal theft and handling contact the Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: Western Power Distribution