Copper wire being stolen from electricity boxes in southwest Edmonton

Switching cubicle. (Supplied)

Thieves are tampering with switching cubicles and stealing copper from them in southwest Edmonton, police said on Friday.

Switching cubicles, the electricity boxes photographed above, have been targeted more than 20 times since December.

Thieves are breaking the lock and stealing copper wires, and then leaving them open with exposed live electrical wires, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said.

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“As we continue to see a rise of copper wire theft and switching cubicle damage throughout southwest Edmonton, we are warning the public about the serious safety risks that these cubicle’s carry because of exposed live wires,” acting staff sgt. Marc Goudreau said.

“If you come across a switching cubicle that has been broken into, please keep your distance and contact us immediately for assistance. The EPS will continue to work with utility providers across Edmonton to ensure that thefts and damages to electrical equipment are properly reported and investigated.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call EPS or Crime Stoppers.