Mid Hudson News is reporting power utility Central Hudson Gas and Electric is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the people who broke into substations located in Madison and Dutchess counties, stole copper wiring, and caused significant damage to equipment in the facilities. Company Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations Ryan Hawthorne said their “primary concern in preventing the theft of copper and metals is to protect our employees and the public and maintain the safety of our facilities.” He said the trespassers at the Smithfield, Hibernia, and Stanfordville substations put themselves in harm’s way by cutting out copper ground wire that resulted in significant equipment failure. Removal of the wires could cause serious injury or death to thieves as well as utility workers and others who may later approach the facilities, Hawthorne said. Anyone with information about the thefts are asked to call the State Police at 845-677-7300 or the Central Hudson theft of services hotline at 877-728-3465. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.