-- From Times staff reporter Christine Clarridge:

Up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the theft of copper wire from an electrical substation in Kent.

According to the Bonneville Power Administration, thieves cut a hole in the fence of the Covington substation at 28401 Covington Way S.E. and stole copper wire late last week. The value of the stolen wire was not included in a news statement released by Bonneville, but company officials said the damage was estimated at $5,000.

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"The culprits are not only damaging the electrical infrastructure that keeps our lights on, but they're also forcing electric ratepayers to cover the costs of this kind of senseless damage and theft," Kevin West, BPA physical security specialist, in the news release.

Since 2006, BPA has paid out a dozen rewards totaling almost $14,000, according to West.

"We're hoping that this information will help jog the memory of someone who may know about the break-in and theft or may have seen something suspicious at the substation," said West. "Sometimes even small details can help law enforcement officials make significant investigative progress."

Anyone having information is asked to call BPA's confidential and toll-free Crime Witness Hotline at 800-437-2744, or local law enforcement. Tips can also be directed to Officer Devon Stratton with the Covington Police Department at 253-638-1110, ext. 2244.