PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Copper theft cases have more than doubled in the Phoenix area since last year, with thieves targeting local businesses and neighborhoods by stealing from utility boxes, street lights, parks and construction sites, according to local utility companies.
The crimes are cutting off internet service and putting hospital patients at risk.
Daniel Chason, who runs CenturyLink’s theft and vandalism unit, said many crimes are committed by thieves posing as utility workers in broad daylight with fake uniforms and fake signs on their cars.
“They pull up to the road outside of your house, they put a cone in the yard. They put their orange vest on. They put their hard hat on. They look like a contractor. Guys if they are not in one of (CenturyLink) trucks, they are not one of our contractors,” Chason said.
“They get out and go and they cut cable out of this pedestal, kill your whole neighborhood service and you think they are out repairing it, they’re stealing,” he said.the
The thefts cause extensive damage beyond the initial crime. While thieves may steal $80 worth of copper, the resulting repairs cost about $7,000.
Sgt. Brian Bower with Silent Witness said the thefts shut down phone and internet service, banking connections, hospital devices and potentially disable 911 connections.
“Hospitals, clinics, schools if you are trying to call into school to find out a situation with a family member with kids, these are all possibilities of being affected by it,” said Bower.
The increase in copper thefts is driven by rising copper prices and drug users looking for quick cash from recyclers. Companies like CenturyLink are now putting GPS tracking devices on some of their copper wire to help catch thieves.
CenturyLink and Silent Witness held a news conference on Wednesday to inform the public about the impact of these thefts and encourage reporting suspicious activity.
“If you see something that doesn’t look right, say something,” Chason said.
Members of the public are asked to call 480-WITNESS.
CenturyLink would also like to see Arizona lawmakers pass legislation similar to what was recently passed in Minnesota that prohibits individuals from selling copper without a license.
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