Another case of copper theft from live electrical wires at Lake Macquarie has cut power to 1200 premises in the area.
Police are investigating the theft after an Ausgrid emergency crew was called to Marks Point just about 6am on Saturday when a fault was detected.
Thieves used a saw to cut through a metal security gate and the copper, which was connecting underground cables and overhead wires, was taken from a power pole about 20 metres from the road.
It sparked a fire and cut power to properties at Belmont, Belmont South and Marks Point.
The latest incident comes after similar thefts in August and March.
“Unfortunately the message doesn’t seem to be getting through that anyone who interferes with live electrical wires is putting their own life and potentially those of others at risk,” Ausgrid chief operating officer Trevor Armstrong said.
“This is dangerous and criminal behaviour and no amount of copper is worth a life.”
Anyone with information about the theft can Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
