Copper theft and electrical safety
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Staying safe around electrical equipment
Recent copper theft incidents around New Zealand have highlighted the serious risks associated with damaged electrical equipment. This page explains how to stay safe, what to look out for and how to report suspicious activity.
What you need to know
- Copper theft from power cables poses a serious risk to the community.
- Theft and tampering with critical electrical assets can make equipment unsafe, disrupt power supply and put the public and our crews at serious risk.
How to stay safe
- Stay well clear: Damaged electrical equipment may still be live. Keep a safe distance and warn others to do the same.
- Don't touch: Never approach, move or attempt to investigate damaged equipment.
- Report it: If it is safe to do so, report suspicious activity or damaged electrical equipment as soon as possible.
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Why is copper theft dangerous?
- Damaged or tampered electrical equipment can become live without warning. Coming into contact with exposed cables, transformers, or other network equipment can result in serious injury or death.
- Interference with electrical equipment can cause faults, arcing and fires.
- Copper theft often involves the removal of earthing conductors and damage to switchgear or transformers. Equipment may appear normal from the outside but can be unsafe and not operating as intended.
Anyone who sees suspicious people or vehicles interfering with power poles, cabling or other electricity equipment should:
- Contact the police. If the situation is urgent or dangerous, call 111.
- Call EA Networks on 0800 430 460 to report damage to electricity infrastructure in Mid Canterbury.