An electric company in Laredo is seeing an increase of copper thefts from poles and equipment.

AEP employees who conduct routine maintenance are seeing grounding copper lines disappear:

"Sometimes people report them, and sometimes we are driving by and we see the copper just flying up in the air."

This can cause damage to their equipment, but more importantly, it’s a safety hazard:

"Any attempt to remove copper lines from our facilities while they are energized...it puts yourself at high risk for loss of life and serious injury."

The lines are used to ground any discharge and prevent damage to equipment and customers. AEP employees who work with the lines are specifically trained to handle them and wear protective gear:

"Sometimes it can hurt us as employees, even when we go back to replace the grounds."

According to AEP, it costs around 50 dollars to 70 dollars a pole to replace these copper lines after they've been stolen:

" We prosecute vigorously on those that have been caught stealing and those who have bought our copper material."

According to reports, five to ten percent of copper lines are stolen from the poles. AEP says copper's value is at about three to five dollars a pound.

Employees have even seen these criminals in action:

"There have been people that we've caught up on ladders and you know in some instances we call the police."

AEP officials say this dangerous attempt is just not worth it and encourage customers to report copper theft. You can call 1-877-373-4858, or you can visit their website at aeptexas.com.