Copper wire is often used in high voltage electricity. These lines are 3/4 inches in diameter. People have been killed trying to steal copper.
Sheriff's Office Seeks Help in Finding Copper Thieves, SOUTH POLK COUNTY, March 30, 2010 - Sometime during the evening hours between March 28 through March 30, 2010 a copper theft occurred in South Polk County at an oil well service site just off Blue Water Road near FM-943. The thieves made off with about 600 feet of copper cable that's 3/4 inches in diameter. A four man crew was called out to replace the stolen cable that's valued at approximately $2,500. The cable was run under ground in a conduit. The thieves cut the cable at each end and then pulled the cable through the conduit out of the ground through one end. The cable is under high-voltage and used to power large pumps that service oil wells. Each end runs into a large electrical box. The process of stealing live electrical cable is very dangerous and a person can be killed trying to do so. Detective Chris Lima with the Polk County Sheriff's Office has initiated an investigation into the theft. Lima stated that folks need to be vigilant. "If you see someone burning copper wiring in their yard, or stripping the insulation off the cable, or if you see someone at the store with a copper cable in their vehicle, call us", Lima said. Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards for information leading to the perpetrators of this crime. If you have any information contact Polk County Crime Stoppers or Detective Chris Lima with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
The cost of the cable is around $2,500 and the company has to pay a crew of 4 men to replace the cable. Replacing the cable takes about half a day.
Detective Christopher Lima is initiating an investigation into the theft. The crime is a state jail felony.
UPDATE:
Brazen Copper Thieves Strike Again, SOUTH POLK COUNTY, April 1, 2010 - Sometime during the night of between March 30 and March 31 copper thieves struck the same spot that they had struck just one to two days earlier. The thieves were bold enough to strike again right after the $2,500 worth of copper wire had been replaced, and an investigation into the incident had already begun. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking help from the public in this case. If you or anyone you know have any information about this crime please contact Detective Christopher Lima with the Polk County Sheriff's Office or Polk County Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of this crime, and your name will remain anonymous.
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