American Electric Power is offering a $5,000 reward following a spate of vandalism in southern West Virginia that damaged equipment and left nearly 5,000 customers without electricity.

AEP spokesman Phil Moye says 20 acts of vandalism have occurred since October 6. The most serious vandalism occurred in Dingess, where someone shot a transformer.

Moye says replacing the transformer cost the utility nearly $1 million.

Other acts included cutting trees onto power lines, cutting wires and stealing meters.

The reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

AEP has set up a toll-free hot line, 866-747-5845, for the public to report acts of vandalism. Moye says any tips submitted are confidential.

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