Man found dead behind Nova Scotia Power substation in Stellarton
Police believe a man who was found dead behind a Nova Scotia Power substation in Stellarton, N.S., was trying to steal copper wire.
Stellarton Police Chief Mark Hobeck told CTV News there was a power outage in the area around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.
When Nova Scotia Power employees went to the substation on North Foord Street to investigate, police say they found a man’s body at the scene.
They reported the incident to police around 8 a.m.
No details about the man have been released at this time. Police say they are still working to confirm his identity.
Hobeck says police are investigating the incident as an attempted theft of copper wire and are working with Nova Scotia Power.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this very difficult time,” said Dave Pickles, chief operating officer for Nova Scotia Power, in a statement.
“Unfortunately, this is a grave reminder of just how dangerous the theft of copper wire can be. We are cooperating fully with the Stellarton Police as they investigate this devastating situation.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or video from the area to call 902-752-6160 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
INCIDENT CAUSES POWER OUTAGE
More than 4,000 customers in Pictou County were without power for about an hour Tuesday afternoon, with “damage to overhead equipment” cited as the cause.
Power was restored to the area around 1:30 p.m.
DANGERS OF COPPER WIRE THEFT
Meanwhile, police are warning of the dangers associated with copper wire theft.
Police say attempts to steal copper wire can lead to serious injury or death, and can put the public at risk.
Live wire can carry more than 25,000 volts of electricity, so there is a high risk of electrocution, according to police.
They also note that stealing copper wire can lead to power outages, affect service, and create dangerous working conditions for crews.
Nova Scotia Power said in October that the utility had seen an increase in thefts from its electrical equipment and substations in 2022, with dozens of incidents reported across the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'I'm a Canadian': MP named in foreign interference report speaks out, refutes claims
The Liberal MP who allegedly benefitted from Chinese election interference is speaking out against the report, categorically stating the foreign government did not help him in his nomination campaign.

'A very, very difficult odour': Senate adjourns early after foul smell in the building disrupts proceedings
The Senate adjourned early on Tuesday afternoon after a foul smell in the building caused headaches in the chamber and disrupted proceedings.
Nordstrom liquidation sales underwhelm Canadians as most items marked down 5 per cent
The first day of Nordstrom's liquidation sale began on Tuesday, but some shoppers walked away underwhelmed, as most items were only marked down five per cent.
Second body recovered from Old Montreal building destroyed by fire
Montreal police confirmed Tuesday evening that a second body has been recovered from the building in Old Montreal that was destroyed by a fire last week.
Trump's potential indictment caps decades of legal scrutiny
For 40 years, former President Donald Trump has navigated countless legal investigations without ever facing criminal charges. That record may soon come to an end.
Via Rail apologizes after Muslim man told not to pray at Ottawa train station
Via Rail is apologizing after a Muslim man was told he couldn't pray at the Ottawa train station.
These foods cost more in Canada, despite inflation rate slowdown
Overall inflation in Canada is cooling, according to just-released data, but the trend is not being reflected at grocery stores, where prices for some items continue to grow.
Ontario man fails driving test, almost hits 4 people with vehicle before doing burnouts in parking lot: police
Police in Guelph, Ont. have charged a man who they say failed a driving test before driving off and nearly hitting four people with his vehicle and then deciding to do burnouts in a parking lot.
Trudeau's top aide Telford to testify, amid Hill drama over foreign interference
After weeks of resistance, and ahead of a vote that could have compelled it to happen, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office announced Tuesday that his chief of staff Katie Telford will testify about foreign election interference, before a committee that has been studying the issue for months.