This story caught my attention because we are in the process of building a new house. I keep reading and hearing about construction sites being stripped of copper from wire, plumbing, and HVAC parts. Our builder told us several first hand stories of pilferage from houses that he was working on, so I have been apprehensive throught the process. Fortunately, construction is nearing an end and we haven't incurred any losses. If anyone does hit us I hope they are as inept as the rubes in the story below.
Police say men trying to steal power lines shocked
May 15, 6:47 PM (ET)
CONFLUENCE, Pa. (AP) - Two Somerset County men are charged with trying to steal live power lines that were still attached to a transformer and utility poles.
Police said Kevin Lee Lytle, 27, and Daniel Jay Basinger, 24, both of Confluence, were shocked during the theft attempt on May 3 in Lower Turkeyfoot Township.
Both were charged Wednesday, but only Basinger was well enough to attend his arraignment on the attempted theft charge.
Police say the incident disrupted power to area residences for about five hours. Penelec Power Co. owns the lines which suffered $1,500 damage.
The Associated Press could not immediately reach either man for comment.
Ya know, how smart do you have to be to know that trying to rip out live wires is not a good idea?
Link to story. 
