Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is asking residents to report suspicious activity around their electrical equipment. 

This request follows several instances of power outages resulting from tampering with pole-mounted equipment in publicly accessible areas. The Tucson Police Department, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI are investigating the incidents, which The occurred on Jan. 15, Jan. 24, Feb. 7 and Feb. 19.

Tampering is a concern because it inconveniences customers, particularly those who rely on medical equipment, and is costly to repair. Such tampering is illegal and could result in serious injury or death. 

Call 911 to report damaged equipment or suspicious activity near TEP’s company’s electrical facilities or contact 88-CRIME, the Pima County Attorney’s anonymous tip line, at 520-882-7463, through 88-CRIME’s mobile app or online at 88crime.org. TEP is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest or indictment.

TEP employees or contractors carry identification and most wear shirts, safety vests and hard hats and drive vehicles with the TEP logo. You may call TEP at 520-623-7711 to verify if there is work going on in the area.