Idaho Power in Twin Falls Being Targeted for Copper Theft

Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) Copper theft is rising in the Magic Valley and in the last year, Idaho Power has been targeted four times.

The substation on Filer Avenue in Twin Falls has seen large spools of copper stolen.

Idaho Power has now started to place tracking devices on their wire.

Now that copper theft has become a felony, they hope the numbers will decrease.

Dan Olmstead explains some of the dangers…

"So when people get into steal the copper, they’re not sure if it's got high voltage, low voltage, if its energized at all, and that can be problematic for folks. Our message is stay away from those facilities because they are usually high voltage facilities."

Recyclers are looking for people trying to sell large quantities of the wire.