Mower County Sheriff’s Office investigating reports of theft of copper and property damage to wind turbines

The Mower County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after multiple reports involving the theft of copper and property damage to wind turbines located in rural Mower County.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Mark May reported that the turbines involved are located at 26255 680th Avenue near Dexter, and he added that five turbines in that area had damage done to them, and copper wire was also stolen from the turbines.  May stated that eight other turbines have also been damaged, and he added that copper wire was removed from those turbines as well.

May went on to state that there is no damage estimate as of yet stemming from the most recent cases of vandalism and theft from the turbines, but he indicated that the damage estimate on the previous eight turbines is $38,000.

May stated that due to the high voltage that the turbines create, removing any type of wire from them can be extremely dangerous.  The Mower County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance on these thefts, and May stated that if anyone notices vehicles in the area of the turbines to please call the Mower County Law Enforcement Center at 507-437-9400.