Increasing copper thefts from Ontario transformer, distribution and service stations are putting Hydro One staff and the public at risk of electrocution, the company says.

'They wrap it around a trailer hitch of a four-by-four and drive away.'— Rick Hughes, Hydro One investigator

Thieves stole copper from a Hydro One facility in Ottawa this week and two sites in Brockville last month, including one where they took more than 150 metres of wire.

Hydro One investigator Rick Hughes estimates copper thefts are up 1,000 per cent across Ontario and North America since 2005, thanks to a spike in copper prices.

Transformer station thefts pose biggest hazard: Hughes

The incidents are particularly dangerous when thieves steal the grounding wires from transformer stations that handle up to 500,000 volts, Hughes said.

Those wires normally drain electrical imbalances from the station, preventing fences and other nearby metal objects from becoming electrified.

"When they take the grounds away, that electricity is still looking for someplace to go, so it takes the path of least resistance," Hughes said. If someone were to touch an electrified fence or object, he added, "the path of least resistance is through their body to ground."

That could pose a danger to someone who accidentally touches the transformer station fence while walking their dog nearby, he said.

Sometimes uncontrolled power station imbalances can even cause power spikes that set household appliances on fire, he added.

Hughes took CBC reporter JC Kenny to one of the Brockville theft sites on Tuesday and pointed out where thieves used bolt cutters to sever a length of copper wire that is normally threaded through a two-metre-high chain-link fence surrounding the station before passing underground.

Sometimes, thieves even take some of the underground wire with them, he said.

"What they do is they take this and they wrap it around a trailer hitch of a four-by-four and drive away. And they take probably 1,200 feet, ripping that up."

'Exceedingly dangerous' for staff

Chris Price, Hydro One's director of security, said the thefts force staff to be vigilant and do extra equipment checks.

"It's not only dangerous for the folks that are stealing it … but it's exceedingly dangerous for Hydro One personnel who are going into the station and having to work on equipment that for whatever reason is now ungrounded."

Hydro One is now working with Crimestoppers and police departments in the hope of catching thieves in the act, and is calling on the public to report any suspicious activity. 

The company is also replacing some copper with less valuable aluminum.

Hughes said he would like to see other municipalities help out by putting in bylaws that require scrap metal dealers to report their sources.