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
Officials: 2 dead, 5 missing in chocolate factory explosion
An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania on Friday killed two people and left five people missing, authorities said. One person was pulled from the rubble overnight.

Putin says Russia will station tactical nukes in Belarus
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans on Saturday to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a warning to the West as it steps up military support for Ukraine.
Risk of a hard landing for Canadian economy is up, former Bank of Canada governor says
Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz says Canada’s economy is at a greater risk of a 'hard landing' — a rapid economic slowdown following a period of growth and approaching a recession.
Canadians view own country favourably but many unsure about Canada's system of government: survey
A recent study by the Angus Reid Institute found Canadians view their country more positively than Americans do, but only a slight majority of people in Canada believe their system of government is good.
Declining suicide rates in Europe may be linked to increased preventative initiatives: report
Within the last decade the total suicide rate among European nations have decreased, according to a new report that says increased suicide prevention initiatives may have helped bring down this death rate.
Russia 'largely stalled' in Bakhmut, shifting focus, U.K. says
The top commander of Ukraine's military said Saturday that his forces were pushing back against Russian troops in the long and grinding battle for the town of Bakhmut, and British military intelligence says Russia appears to be moving to a defensive strategy in eastern Ukraine.
Trump invokes Jan. 6 at Waco rally ahead of possible charges
A defiant and incendiary Donald Trump, facing a potential indictment, held the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign Saturday in Waco, Texas, a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
'Everything is interwoven': Trudeau and Biden vow continued Canada-U.S. collaboration during historic visit
U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced updates on a number of cross-border issues, after a day of meetings on Parliament Hill.
Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
About a dozen asylum seekers hoping to start a new life in Canada saw their plans hit a snag on Saturday afternoon when they learned an unofficial crossing between the Canadian and U.S. border no longer offered the safe passage they'd come to expect.