Nova Scotia Power using new technology to fight copper theft
HALIFAX (CP) - Nova Scotia Power is stepping up the battle against an increasing amount of copper theft.
The utility will be using microdot technology to mark and identify equipment at substations and other electrical facilities in the province.
The technology, called DataDot, makes it easier to trace copper wire back to its owner.
Crime Stoppers will also be part of the new anti-theft campaign.
The wiring has become increasingly popular with thieves because the price of copper has more than quadrupled in recent years.
Nova Scotia Power said copper thieves are putting their lives in danger, along with those of the technicians who have to repair the damage.
The utility company said there were six major outages last year because of break-ins and copper wire thefts.
Const. Dave MacGillivary of the Cape Breton Regional Police said he doesn't understand why anyone attempt such a dangerous theft.
"Why would you actually go into a live-wire situation and put your hands on this - it's like walking out in front of a transport truck doing 80 kilometres an hour," he said. "You're going to get hurt."
The utility will be using microdot technology to mark and identify equipment at substations and other electrical facilities in the province.
The technology, called DataDot, makes it easier to trace copper wire back to its owner.
Crime Stoppers will also be part of the new anti-theft campaign.
The wiring has become increasingly popular with thieves because the price of copper has more than quadrupled in recent years.
Nova Scotia Power said copper thieves are putting their lives in danger, along with those of the technicians who have to repair the damage.
The utility company said there were six major outages last year because of break-ins and copper wire thefts.
Const. Dave MacGillivary of the Cape Breton Regional Police said he doesn't understand why anyone attempt such a dangerous theft.
"Why would you actually go into a live-wire situation and put your hands on this - it's like walking out in front of a transport truck doing 80 kilometres an hour," he said. "You're going to get hurt."
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