Copper thieves strike Deer Park substation

October 26, 2012

Avista Utilities is offering a cash reward to anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of copper wire from a pair of north Spokane substations.
Avista Utilities personnel in Deer Park reported to Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies that sometime between Oct. 16-24 someone stole more than one-half mile of copper wire from the company’s substation on Dahl Road. In addition, another 450-500 feet of copper wire was stolen from its Little Spokane substation during the same time frame.
Avista employees told deputies that between July and October crews have spent nearly a month replacing and repairing equipment from copper thefts.
The company estimated the scrap value of the copper stolen at $595. The cost to replace and repair hardware from these thefts is nearly $12,000.
Anyone with information on either theft is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.