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Death during theft from electric utilities.

Allison J Taylor1, Gerald McGwin, Robert M Brissie

  • 1Center for Injury Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35233, USA.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|May 30, 2003
PubMed
Summary
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Individuals attempting to steal from power utilities risk electrocution, with 8 documented deaths from 1981-2001. Most victims were intoxicated men stealing copper during daylight, suffering severe electrical burns.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Occupational Safety
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Power utilities face significant risks from service and hardware theft.
  • Individuals attempting theft from power infrastructure are at high risk of fatal electrocution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze fatalities resulting from theft attempts targeting power utilities.
  • To identify common characteristics and circumstances of these electrocution deaths.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of coroner and medical examiner records from Jefferson County (1981-2001).
  • Inclusion criteria: individuals deceased from attempted theft from a power utility.

Main Results:

  • Eight deaths were attributed to power utility theft attempts.

Related Experiment Videos

  • All decedents were male, average age 33; 7 stole copper, 1 stole electricity.
  • Five decedents were intoxicated (ethanol, cocaine, or both); 7 sustained electrical burns.

    • Conclusions:

    • Theft from power utilities is a dangerous act, frequently resulting in electrocution.
    • Copper theft and intoxication were common factors in these fatalities.
    • Evidence at the scene (tools, ladders, personal items) can indicate attempted theft.