Empire seeks assistance in theft cases

Empire will give a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.

The company reported in June that thieves had broken into a number of Empire properties to steal copper wiring and sell it as scrap. The supplies were stolen from Empire substations and transmission and distribution facilities.

“The upturn in the market for scrap metal is driving a drastic increase in the theft of metal, and Empire, as well as many area contractors, have experienced thefts,” said Mike Palmer, vice president of commercial operations, in a June news release.

The theft of utility equipment can lead to widespread power outages and could cost utility companies and their customers thousands of dollars, according to the June release.

To provide information in the case, contact Empire at (417) 625-5100.