Copper thieves cut down live power pole

Would-be copper thieves have used a chainsaw to chop down a live power pole on NSW's Central Coast, in one of the "most stupid" acts of vandalism Ausgrid has ever seen.

The attempted theft occurred on Monday afternoon at a council-owned bushland property off Wyee Road in Doyalson.

Power was cut to the neighbouring suburb of Blue Haven for three and half hours as Ausgrid crews worked to fix the fault, which had left 800 surrounding homes and businesses in the dark.

It is believed the live powerlines - brought down during the incident - likely arced and sparked when they hit the ground.

"This bungled attempt to steal copper wire from the network is one of the most brazen acts of vandalism we've seen - and the most stupid," an Ausgrid spokesperson said.

"This reckless act could have cost a life or started a bushfire."

Witnesses to any suspicious activity in the area have been asked to come call police.