WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Metal thieves are now stealing the wires from live electrical circuits on power poles in Whatcom County.

Thieves have taken 35 spans of overhead power lines from Timmons Road.

They've caused power outages while taking more than 20 spans of wire along Ham Road.

More than $100,000 in electrical wire has been stolen in recent months.

Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo says the thieves may be posing as utility workers, and may be using lift equipment or possibly a bucket truck to take the power lines.

He says cutting live power lines is extremely dangerous, not only to the thieves but to anyone if live wires are left dangling or if they cause a short-circuit or fire.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity around power lines is asked to call 911.