Rocky Mountain Power offers $10,000 cash reward to catch vandals
Public asked for information to help catch people who shot insulators on transmission lines
by Rocky Mountain Power
February 5, 2014
LITTLE AMERICA, Wyoming (Feb. 5, 2014) – Rocky Mountain Power is working with law enforcement officials in Sweetwater County, Wyoming to stop the vandalism of electrical equipment in the western part of the county that has impacted electrical service for some customers, increased costs and created potential dangers for employees and the public.
Rocky Mountain Power is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of individuals responsible for shooting insulators on transmission lines in western Sweetwater County. Law enforcement officials and Rocky Mountain Power also are asking residents to report this type of illegal activity if they see it taking place.
"During the past two years, inspections of one of our transmission lines in Sweetwater County found more than 50 polymer insulators damaged by gunshots," said Jim Bolinger, Rocky Mountain Power director of operations for Wyoming. "Sometimes the vandalism and damage to this type of insulator isn’t apparent until weeks or months later, when rain or snow mixes with built-up dust on insulators and conducts electricity outside of its normal path, or other conditions develop that result in a power outage."
The tens of thousands of dollars spent to repair and replace this damaged equipment add to the cost of providing safe and reliable electric service to customers. The vandalism also creates potentially hazardous conditions for Rocky Mountain Power workers and others in proximity to the power lines.
If residents see any suspicious activity around power poles or other electrical equipment, do not confront these individuals, but call 911. If someone has knowledge of past incidents, please call the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Department dispatch at 307-872-3864. Tips can also be provided online at the Sweetwater Citizens Crime Stoppers website, www.sweetwatertips.com, which also offers text-a-tip and phone-a-tip numbers.
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