TasNetworks has slammed a “deeply reckless act” of vandalism after a mattress was set alight next to an electrical substation in Launceston over the weekend, cutting power to hundreds of homes.
The electricity provider said the incident occurred at the Rocherlea substation on Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the site.
TasNetworks is now urging anyone with information to come forward.
TasNetworks’ head of asset management Josh Cunningham said the vandalism was dangerous.
“Tasmanians need electricity that’s safe, reliable and sustainable,” he said.
“This sort of vandalism puts communities at risk.”
“It left customers without power on a cold day and TasNetworks is left dealing with expensive damage that’s eventually paid for by Tasmanians.”
Cunningham said “criminal consequences” were often the most effective way to deter this kind of behaviour.
“So, we’d encourage anyone with information that might lead to an arrest and conviction to come forward in service to their community,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
