Dutchess, New York – January 7, 2022, the New York State Police are investigating several larcenies of copper from Central Hudson substations in the northern Dutchess area.

The suspects are removing in use copper ground wires which destabilizes the electric substation.  Not only is this dangerous to the suspects, but the repairs to ground wires are extremely dangerous and could lead to transformer explosions causing injury or death to workers as well as interruptions in service.

Central Hudson is offering a reward of $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any individual responsible for breaking into the Smithfield, Hibernia, and Stanfordville substations.

If you believe you have any information regarding the identity or location of the persons responsible, please contact the New York State Police at (845) 677-7300.