Central Hudson Offers Reward For Copper Wire Theft Info

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — A reward is being offered for information about the theft of copper wiring from Central Hudson substations.

The New York State Police said Friday the theft of the wiring was from the Smithfield, Hibernia and Stanfordville substations in northern Dutchess County.

Authorities said the copper ground wires are being removed, which then destabilizes the substation.

Not only is this dangerous to the persons removing them, but the repairs to ground wires are extremely dangerous and could lead to transformer explosions, causing injury or death to workers as well as interruptions in service, police said.

Central Hudson is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any person responsible for breaking into the substations.

If you believe you have any information regarding the identity or location of the persons responsible, call the New York State Police at 845-677-7300.