Copper wire theft suspected as cause of Philadelphia power outage, police say

Power was knocked out for about 1,000 homes and businesses in a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood Thursday after police said a man tried to steal copper wire from a transformer box owned by PECO, the local electric utility.

The transformer box is located along Roosevelt Boulevard between Grant Avenue and Welsh Road, near the site of a KFC restaurant that is being demolished.

Around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, the man broke into the construction site and then the PECO box, Philadelphia police said.

The man then cut a high-voltage cable, which electrocuted him and sparked a fire, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters.

The man was burned on his face and upper body and rushed to Jefferson University Hospital, where he is in critical condition.

Small said detectives found a cutting tool inside the transformer box – the tool may belong to the man.

"There may be similar incidents that have taken place in the past where someone may have been trying to steal copper or some sort of copper wiring," Small said.

Some local businesses lost power for about 30 minutes after the incident. By 7 a.m. Thursday, PECO said it had restored power to all customers.

Source : https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-power-outage-roosevelt-boulevard-copper-wire/

Comprehension

What caused the power outage in Northeast Philadelphia?
Where did the attempted theft take place?
What happened to the man who tried to steal the copper wire?
What time did the incident occur?
How did the police determine that the man may have been attempting to steal copper?
What role did Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small play in the report?
How long did businesses experience power loss?
By what time did PECO restore power to all customers?
What evidence did the police find at the scene?
Have there been similar incidents in the past according to the police

Discussion

Why do people steal copper wiring, and what dangers are associated with it?
What should cities do to prevent theft from electrical infrastructure?
Do you think laws should be stricter to deter copper theft? Why or why not?
What are the consequences of power outages for businesses and residents?
How can electric utility companies improve security around transformer boxes?
Should hospitals be required to report injuries related to criminal activities like theft? Why or why not?
How does theft of public utilities impact a community’s safety and economy?
Should the government provide alternative economic opportunities to reduce crimes like copper theft?
Have you ever experienced a power outage? How did it affect you?

Vocabulary

and businesses.
Copper wire – A valuable metal often used in electrical wiring that is frequently stolen.
Electrocuted – Injured or killed by an electric shock.
Demolished – Torn down or destroyed, usually referring to a building.
Critical condition – A severe medical state where a person’s life is in danger.
High-voltage – Carrying a strong electric current that can be dangerous.
Cutting tool – An instrument used to cut materials, such as wires or metal.
Incident – An event, often negative or unexpected.
Restored – Brought back to its original condition or function.
Detectives – Police officers who investigate crimes.