Copper thieves hit Terrebonne power substations

Authorities in Terrebonne Parish are on the lookout for thieves who've struck several power substations in search of copper.

The Courier reports someone has been cutting through fences surrounding the substations and stealing copper ground wires, probably for sale as scrap. When the ground wires are cut, electric service generally isn't interrupted.

The thefts began in May, sheriff's deputies said. So far, four substations in Chauvin, Montegut, Dularge and the Houma area have been hit.

Last August, a Houma man was electrocuted at a substation while trying to steal ground wires.