COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
The South Carolina Electric Cooperatives says copper theft is costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
Three dollars a pound is the going right for Copper these days, and electric Crews say thieves are risking their lives to get it.
"Sometimes they will climb up the transformer and get the copper and when they do that they put their life in danger," said Robert Woodard with the Fairfield Electric Cooperative. "That's where they can get hurt badly."
For the last four decades, Woodard has seen thieves put themselves harm's way for copper, often times climbing poles and breaking in to substations and warehouses to get their hands on the metal.
Cooperative officials say there has been as many as 10 thefts in 3 years at their power sub-stations and an estimated $20,000 worth of damages that customers ending paying.
On Friday, cooperative officials partnered with local law enforcement agencies to say enough is enough.
They're asking you to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC if you know who is stealing copper at area electric co-op's.
Woodard says thieves can cause widespread power outages and put lives at risk.
"It's scary, but you have your safety rules and you follow your safety rules," Woodard said.
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