Vandals recently broke into Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s terminal station at Sunnyside and stole copper grounding wire connected to energized high voltage electrical equipment.

Hydro says they cut the lock on the gate to get inside.

The utility says that action creates serious safety risks not only for the vandals, but for hydro employees, contractors, and the general public.

Electrical grounding drains away unwanted buildup of electrical charge and keeps energy at a constant voltage – reducing the risk of electrical shock.

Hydro says it is working closely with the RCMP, and urges anyone with information to come forward.