BANGOR (AP) – Bangor Hydro Electric Co. has installed motion detectors and surveillance equipment at several power substations to cut down on the number of copper thefts.

Bangor Hydro officials have discovered several copper wire thefts in recent weeks at power substations in northern Maine. The utility said thieves have also targeted copper grounding wires attached to homes.

Bangor Hydro Safety Officer John Greaves said the thefts put the thieves, company employees and the public at risk.

The utility has also increased patrol inspections of its sites.