8 Arrested in Copper Thefts at Pennsylvania Power Stations

Police say eight people have been arrested in what authorities say was a monthlong spree of copper thefts at 13 electric substations in the Philadelphia area last year.

The Bucks County Courier Times reports police believe the suspects were part of a loosely affiliated theft ring that committed 20 thefts at PECO substations between early November and mid-December. Damages and losses have been estimated at $175,000.

The suspects were arraigned Tuesday in Bristol Township on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and other counts. The arrests came after the development of a joint police task force to investigate the thefts.

Police say the thieves used bolt cutters to cut holes in exterior security fences around the substations. The suspects allegedly picked areas that were secluded or hidden from view.