LOWER TWP. -- Lower Township Police are investigating more than 70 cases of electrical ground wire thefts from utility poles in the area.

The first report was from a homeowner in the North Cape May section of the township. Since then, police say 74 incidents of people cutting the copper wires have been reported. Authorities believe the wire is being sold at scrap-yards.

Police are stepping up patrols in the area and also investigating if these cases are related to similar incidents reported in Middle Township a couple weeks ago.

Anyone with information should contact police at (609) 226-2711.