Crime & Safety

$4K Worth of Copper Stolen From Downed Wires

Police caution residents that wires may be live.

Kinnelon police are investigating the apparent theft of more than 1,400 feet of copper wire that was stolen from downed wires in borough roads.

The copper was valued at approximately $4,000.

Lt. John Schwartz said the police department was contacted by Butler Borough Administrator Jim Lampmann on behalf of the Butler Electric Department. Lampman said that the electric workers found that between noon on Nov. 3 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 5, the copper was taken.

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The missing copper was noticed in the area of Round Hill Road, Sawmill Road, Lakeside Trail and Ski Trail.

Schwartz said the copper wiring was needed as part of the electric function.

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"They did have to replace it, but didn't indicate it should add to the repair efforts," Schwartz said.

In general, Schwartz said all downed wires can be dangerous and people should not touch them.

"Don't assume that they're not live," he said.

Anyone with information about the stolen copper should contact the Kinnelon Police Department at 973-838-5400.


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