Scottish Power is offering £5,000 for information that leads to the conviction of criminals involved in stealing copper from electricity substations in Hawthorn Road and Broom Drive, Galashiels, on Thursday, May 22.
Engineers have responded to a number of faults reported by customers in these areas since the thefts took place, and repairs are being carried out.
Initially engineers were called to investigate electricity supply problems, and found that two substations in the area had been broken in to, with the theft of vital cables.
As well as causing supply faults for a small number of properties in the area, the thefts have caused significant damage to ScottishPower’s network of underground cables in the area.
The company hopes to complete repair works over the weekend.
Guy Jefferson, network operations director at Scottish Power Energy Networks, said: “The recent thefts in Galashiels are very concerning.
“The criminals have left the substations damaged and unsecured – exposing residents to potentially very dangerous situations.
“The thefts have also have caused supply issues for local homes, and it is clear that the criminals do not care at all about the safety of the public.”
He added: “Our engineers believe that the criminals are very lucky to be alive, but they have caused a significant amount of damage. It beggars belief that anyone could be so reckless, and we will be working closely with police to help ensure that the criminals responsible are caught.”
ScottishPower is encouraging anyone who can provide information on the break-ins to either contact the police, or to call the company’s security hotline on 0800 027 1950.