Detroit Edison Offers Reward for Theft Info

DETROIT, Nov. 1  /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Edison is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of anyone who steals copper wire from the utility.

Electric lines have become an attractive target for thieves, as the price of scrap copper has increased in recent months.  Electric utilities across the country - including Detroit Edison - are seeing copper power lines disappear on a regular basis, according to Michael Lynch, chief security officer for DTE Energy, the parent company of Detroit Edison.

"We've seen a dramatic increase in the theft of copper electrical wires, and it has pretty much coincided with the rising price of scrap copper," Lynch said.  "It's hard to believe, but thieves are cutting down energized electrical lines, and risking their lives for a few dollars worth of scrap metal."

Besides the obvious danger involved in stealing electrical wires, the crime also disrupts power to homes and businesses, and costs Detroit Edison thousands of dollars to repair and replace its equipment.

Anyone with information regarding the theft of Detroit Edison lines or equipment should contact their local police department, or Detroit Edison's security department at [phone]. 

DATASOURCE: Detroit Edison



CONTACT: Len Singer, [phone], or Lorie N. Kessler,

[phone], both of Detroit Edison



Web site:  http://www.dteenergy.com/

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