(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Lawrenceburg Utilities Director Mel Davis says thieves are risking their lives in order to make a few bucks at the expense of citizens.

Somebody has been cutting and stealing metal grounding wires from utility poles around the city, Davis said Friday. So far, thefts have been discovered from poles on Randy Drive, Keller Road, and around downtown Lawrenceburg.

When cutting the wires, there is the potential that the thieves could be shocked with over 7,000 volts. But that isn’t the only reason the culprits should quit.

“Our customers own the system, so it is stealing from them,” said Davis.

Davis isn’t sure when the thefts may have occurred, as utility crews noticed the first of the thefts today. Repairs are already underway.

Davis asks anyone who has information on the thefts or notices suspicious activity near utility poles to contact Lawrenceburg Police at (812) 537-2284.