$1,000 Reward Offered for Helping OPPD Catch Criminals
A new reward fund provides up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of a person or persons responsible for recent intrusions and thefts of copper at Omaha Public Power District substations.
OPPD has experienced about $136,000 in losses this year, including copper theft, damage to property and cost of repairs.
Beyond the financial cost, the intrusions pose possible life-threatening hazards. Thieves often target copper ground wires and neutrals in the substations. Without those wires, equipment may no longer be grounded, increasing the possibility of electric shock to OPPD employees entering the substations and also to the general public which may be in the vicinity. In addition to increasing the potential of causing injuries, the thefts also heighten the possibility of service disruptions for customers. Officials say creation of a reward fund underscores the seriousness of the problem.
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