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This news release was posted more than two years ago. View our latest news releases here.

Power pole in Maple Ridge cut down with chainsaw

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MAPLE RIDGE – Thieves in Maple Ridge risked death or serious injury when they used a chainsaw to cut down a power pole on 240th Street on May 17. The perpetrators removed components of the equipment on the power pole to try to steal copper.

Metal theft is a huge concern for BC Hydro. It is a crime that affects the safety of the public and BC Hydro employees, and also has an impact on the reliability of the electrical system.

In this case, the electrical equipment attached to the power pole was de-energized as the building it was serving was slated for demolition. If the power line had been energized, it could have seriously injured or killed the thieves, a member of the public or BC Hydro crews.

BC Hydro wants to remind the public it is never safe to assume any electrical equipment is de-energized. A downed power line is dangerous and should be treated as an emergency. Stay back at least 10 metres – the length of a standard bus – and dial 911 immediately.

BC Hydro is working with the RCMP to investigate this incident.

Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
p. 604 928 6468