Power company: Copper thefts on rise in N. Ind.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A power company is warning that copper theft is becoming so rampant in northern Indiana that it could lead to outages.

The South Bend Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/vOednX ) that Indiana Michigan Power is warning that thieves have been targeting copper wire and equipment from utility poles, cabinets and substations.

I&M says the thefts are a concern because tampering with electrical equipment can change the design of the distribution system and pose a danger, not just to those trying to steal copper, but to I&M employees and the public.

I&M is encouraging residents to be vigilant and look for signs of copper theft, including missing, cut or hanging wires; wires sticking out of cabinets; and holes or cuts in fences near substations.