Eastside Defender

The copper thieves are now “recycling” our infrastructure. The following alert is issued by the 2nd Police Precinct:

Xcel Energy has currently been experiencing theft of copper ground wires from the power line poles that run through Minneapolis alleys and streets. Individuals have been cutting the wires close to where the wires run into the ground and about as high as they can reach which usually gets them a 5-6 foot section of copper wire which are then turned into recycling centers for cash.

These cuts do not interrupt your power but they do pose a potential power interruption risk if a storm occurs. If you see anyone appearing to be doing anything around the power poles in the alley and they do not have Xcel Energy ID, uniforms or vehicles, please call 911 with a description of the person (s) and vehicle information if possible.

Ground wires are different from feed wires buried in the ground. Feed wires are always energized--they supply power to buildings. Ground wires are for safety--they funnel power overloads into the earth.
-