Thieves, when determined enough, can be pretty stupid. Trying to steal copper wire whilst it is still energised is an extremely stupid thing. My guess is the police are currently looking for someone who resembles a porcupine!

Monroe County deputies are searching for would-be thieves that are targeting copper. Their latest hit involved a power substation that left thousands in the dark.

Authorities say someone broke into the Hoosier Energy substation Wednesday evening around 7:30 and tried to steal copper wiring.

“Whoever was in here cut the grounds off of our equipment and when he did that, it caused a serious arch and explosion of some of equipment in the substation,” said Phillip Mattison of the South Central Indiana REMC.

Investigators think the thieves may have suffered burns at that power station. They’re hoping that information may help led them to the people responsible.