Bay Roberts RCMP investigate two reports of break and enter at the Newfoundland Power substation located on Springfield Road in South River, NL.
On October 26, 2018, Newfoundland Power reported that the lock on the secured gate was cut off by the suspect(s) and entry was gained inside the compound. Some copper wire was cut from several power towers.
On October 29th, 2018, police were called to a second break and enter at the same location where the lock on the secured the gate was once again cut off by the suspect(s). There was substantive damage to the high-voltage electricity system within the compound. Copper wire was cut and stolen by the suspect(s).
This specific incident resulted in a power outage of more than 4 hours to nearly 3000 customers within the area. Newfoundland Power crews are still working on repairing the station.
Newfoundland Power cautions that entering locked areas of the high-voltage electricity system, like substations, is dangerous. Grounding wire is a very important part of the electrical equipment's protection system. Once tampered with or removed, it makes it extremely dangerous for anyone in the substation and for employees to enter to make repairs. Vandals are not only putting their lives at risk, but also the lives of employees.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to contact Bay Roberts RCMP at 709-786-2118. To remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (TIPS is 8477), by Secure Web Tips at www.nlcrimestoppers.com, or by downloading our free and secure mobile app. Search your App Store for "P3 Tips". Electronic tips submitted to Crime Stoppers are encrypted, entirely confidential and completely anonymous.