Attempted theft of copper wire causes power outages in Red Deer

RCMP in central Alberta say an attempt to steal copper wire from an underground vault was responsible for a power failure that affected multiple neighbourhoods.

Police say someone got into the enclosure in Red Deer and tried to cut live electrical wires early Monday.

Red Deer utilities manager Jim Jorgensen says approximately six thousand customers were affected.

Police said yesterday they were still trying to locate the suspect, noting the person might be seriously injured.