ESB warn people to stop risking their lives while trying to steal copper wire

The ESB has re-iterated its warning about the dangers of stealing copper from high-voltage power lines.

The increase in the price of copper in recent years has led to a spate of thefts of copper wire - used by the ESB - from storage depots, as well as from powerlines themselves.

There have been incidents all over the country, including in Donegal.

In the latest theft, under the cover of darkness, metal thieves stole nine spans of line from the 38,000V line from Kilkenny to Ballyhale, roughly 3.6km of copper.

An ESB spokesperson said: "Such metal theft is a very high dangerous activity with the thieves putting their own lives at risk. At least three serious injuries and one fatality have been linked to metal theft from ESB Networks in recent years. These metal thieves are also endangering the lives of members of the public by leaving potentially unsafe live network after them."

ESB Networks is calling on members of the public, and in particular those in the farming community with overhead power lines on their land, to be vigilant for suspicious activity and to come forward with information.

Information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers confidential telephone service by calling 1800 25 00 25. Alternatively, information can be provided to your local Garda station or ESB Networks on 1850 372 999.