Copper Theft Reported At Second Johnston County Solar Farm

SELMA – The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a second major copper theft at a solar farm, raising concerns about a possible pattern targeting renewable energy sites in the area.

On September 30, a representative with AES reported that copper wiring had been stolen from a solar facility located in the 300 block of Watson Road outside Selma. According to the report, the theft likely occurred between September 23 and September 30.

Authorities said the suspect or suspects gained access to the property by cutting a hole in the perimeter fence. Once inside, the thieves made off with a yet-to-be-determined amount of copper wiring. Initial estimates suggest the stolen materials could be worth between $50,000 and $150,000.

This marks the second copper theft reported at a Johnston County solar farm in recent weeks.

On September 10, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a similar report at a solar site located in the 13900 block of NC Highway 50 North, near Sanders Road in the Willow Spring community. In that case, approximately $200,000 worth of copper was reported missing. Investigators believe the theft occurred sometime between July 16 and September 10.

Detectives are now working to determine whether the two incidents are connected.

Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5010.