A chainsaw was used to cut down a Launceston power pole on the weekend in a bid to steal a copper cable.
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TasNetworks spokesman Josh Bradshaw labelled the act as stupid.
"That's extremely dangerous, risks interrupting local people's power supply, and an annoying cost to TasNetworks, which is owned by all Tasmanians," he said.
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Thieves then attempt to sell the copper for a profit, however it is worth just a few dollars.
The cables are part of the built-in safety features of the electricity network, and means power cannot safely return to the ground.
"Messing with live power lines to steal copper is risking your life, and won't make you even vaguely rich," Mr Bradshaw said.
A small amount of TasNetworks customers experienced a power outage as a result of the incident.
A number of attempted copper stealing incidents have occurred around the world, with a large percentage resulting in electrocution.
In 2017, TasNetworks ran a campaign to alert people to the dangers of attempted copper stealing. Since the campaign the number of incidents has reduced.
Tasmania Police has received a report of an alleged attempted theft of copper wiring and damage to a power pole, with investigations continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northern CIB on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.
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