After a series of copper wire theft from power poles, SaskPower is reminding people that tampering with a power pole can be dangerous.

“When you’re removing material from an active power pole, that’s very dangerous to do,” said SaskPower spokesperson Scott McGregor. “When these copper grounds are removed, it can obviously create an environment for possible electrocution.”

McGregor says that the trend of copper thefts is something that is happening everywhere in the province, not just in the urban centres. SaskPower estimates that the copper wire is being stolen off one to two power poles every week.

McGregor thinks that with warmer weather on the way, more thefts may take place. He is asking people to be vigilant of anything suspicious around a power pole.

“If you see that the sheathing on the pole has been disturbed or broken away or peeled back, that could be a sign of tampering,” said McGregor. “If you’re unsure and you see something that looks like its been tampered with, call SaskPower.”

He added that if you do notice tampering, try and stay a safe distance of at least 10 metres away from the pole, to avoid any possible injury.