BRIDGTON — Theft of valuable metals for scrap has been on the upswing in Western Maine as local agencies report catalytic converters and utility pole grounding wires being stolen.
Bridgton police Chief Kevin Schofield said converter thefts seem to come in cycles. “It seems every six to eight months these crimes spike for some reason.” He said it may be because warmer weather makes it easier to crawl under vehicles.
He encouraged people who spot suspicious activity around cars to contact police. Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, which thieves sell for scrap. Trucks, SUVs and vans are the primary targets due to higher ground clearance and larger converters.
According to Bridgton police, thefts have occurred night and day.
Paris police have received two reports of copper grounding wires being stolen. The thefts took place in the areas of Mt. Mica Road and Ryerson Hill Road.
Lt. Michael Dailey said a witness saw a small car stopped near a utility pole, but couldn’t describe the car further because it was nighttime.
“Those grounding wires are designed in case of a failure in the system,” Dailey said. “It’s a public safety issue.” He said the people cutting the lines run a risk of electrocution.
Paris police ask anyone who sees suspicious activity around utility poles to call the Oxford County Regional Communications Center at 743-9554.
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