WEST JORDAN -- Nearly 1,000 West Jordan homes and business lost power because of a copper theft from a substation Monday morning, officials said.
The thieves reportedly broke through several layers of security at the Rocky Mountain Power substation overnight before cutting out the copper at the facility, said Jeff Hymas, company spokesman.
"I'm sure somebody saw something, running along the riverwalk at 1 a.m. dragging 200 feet of copper wire," said Sgt. Dan Roberts with West Jordan Police. "I'm sure someone saw something. If they did we'd sure appreciate a call."
West Jordan Police confirmed the substation was located near 1000 West and 7400 South.
“This is extremely dangerous and concerning behavior,” Hymas said. “Someone who breaks into an electrical substation is putting their own life at risk. In a substation like this, there is equipment with high-voltage electricity running through it.”
Only trained and authorized personnel are allowed to enter the substations, Hymas said.
Repair crews had to cut the power to the station to make repairs, Hymas said. Approximately 950 customers lost power from 11:17 to 11:51 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Power has been in contact with the West Jordan Police Department about the theft. Those with information about the incident are asked to call 801-840-4026.
