Copper Theft in Marshall County

January 2, 2013

  01/03/13  Marshall County REMC has noticed an increase of copper theft from utility poles around the county.  The rise in copper theft has disrupted the flow of electricity, created electrical hazards, delayed construction projects and damaged irrigation systems.  For a number of years the Marshall County REMC has been replacing ground wire with copper-covered steel.  This is produced by bonding copper to steel wire.  Due to the inseparable unification of the two metals, copper restoration is unusable, therefore has very little scrap value.  Stealing material from utility poles can cause serious injury, extensive outages and fires.  Dealing with metal and electricity is extremely dangerous, especially when done without permission or training.  If you notice anything unusual with electrical equipment contact the Marshall County REMC immediately.  (936-3161)