By Bill Gustin
This article examines how the theft of electricity, down power lines, and metal fences can cause electricity to take a dangerous and unexpected path. I have seen some very creative ways to steal electricity from the power company; most involve tapping into the electrical service before the meter. There have been several cases in my department’s jurisdiction where electrical thieves dug up and tapped into an underground electrical service. Their motivation is usually to supply the substantial amount of power necessary to illuminate the large array of sodium vapor lights for their marijuana “grow house” operation (photo 1).1
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