Thieves target offalys esb network five times since may
The ESB has revealed that overhead power lines were targeted by thieves on five occasions in the past three months in Offaly.
The most recent theft occurred on Tuesday when when thieves struck twice, stealing cable from Lumcloon on the Ferbane to Athlone line and the Allenwood and Portarlington line. Other incidents occurred on July 16, when the Tullamore to Mountmellick line was targeted and on May 23 and 25 when the thieves struck the Ferbane to Athlone line at Lumcloon.
ESB Networks said it has been dealing with several incidents where live copper overhead lines have been stolen by third parties. These criminals are also stealing copper earthing conductor from High Voltage substations all over the country. So far this year there have been around 50 incidents where overhead wires were targeted.
The Offaly thefts account for some of the 142 kms of cable stolen by theives this year at a cost of €4.6 million to the ESB. Gardai and ESB Networks have issued a joint statement appealing for the public’s assistance in combating wire theft.
They said not only are the perpetrators of these crimes putting their lives at risk, they are also endangering the lives of members of the public by leaving potentially unsafe live electrical network after them and interrupting supply to critical services. There is extreme danger of severe injury or fatality when attempting to steal live electricity lines or metal from ESB Networks High Voltage substations.
“We would appreciate the assistance of the public who should call our 24-hour emergency hotline on 1850 372 999 and the Gardaí at 999/112 if they notice suspicious activity near our network. We appeal particularly to members of the rural and farming communities whose land is being trespassed upon, and damaged by these thieves to be vigilant and to contact us immediately if they believe that there is any suspicious activity taking place close to electricity networks on their land,” they stated.
Members of the public are advised not to approach the thieves or the electrical network if they witness anyone interfering with overhead lines. They should instead contact the gardai and the emergency hotline on 1850 372 999.