COPPER thefts from power supply equipment are concerning Waipā networks.
Dangerous thefts warning
Copper thefts from power supply equipment are concerning Waipā Networks.
The power company reports thieves have targeted multiple earth wires across the region.
There have also been multiple incidents where fuses and wiring have been stolen from its transformers.
The thefts are a significant threat to Waipa Networks power supply stability and jeopardise its community, the company said in a Facebook post.
People are asked to call the police if they see any unusual activity near Waipa Networks’ equipment or if they see anyone working near power supply equipment without the distinctive Waipā Networks uniforms or marked vehicles.
Anyone noticing missing or damaged equipment is asked to call Waipa Networks on 0800 800 769.
Scammer attack
An Ōtorohanga person has lost $50,000 after giving scammers access to their bank account.
The scammers contacted the person by phone on August 16 and 17, claiming their computer had been hacked.
One scammer then referred the person to a second, who claimed to be a police officer.
Police say the person masquerading as a police officer then requested, and was given, access to the resident’s bank account.
They persuaded their victim to deposit $50,000 in the bank account, which they said would help them catch a person involved in an attempted scam.
As a result, the resident initially lost two large sums of money ($80,000 and $150,000), though their bank was able to recover some of this. Around $49,000 remains outstanding.
Police strongly advise anyone who receives similar phone calls to hang up without engaging the scammers in further conversations.
