Concern for Increased Thefts August 18, 2006 Officials ask for help in Weber metal thefts BY JORDAN MUHLESTEIN_ Standard-Examiner staff jmuhlestein@standard.net MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE Cell phone towers and unused power lines are the latest targets of thieves seeking to cash in on record-high scrap metal prices. Weber County sheriff's Sgt. Dale Bridges said the county has investigated more than 50 cases of metal theft in the past three months, and he wants to curtail it before it gets worse. In Salt Lake County, he said, bold thieves have stolen aluminum guardrails right off the roadway, and he doesn't want that to happen here. The thefts have taken a financial toll on the area. "They have stolen more than $25,000 worth of metal," he said. Those prices are compounded by the work required to repair or replace sites hit by thieves. Many of the thefts are of copper or aluminum, Bridges said, because their prices are at an all-time high. Copper is worth about $3.40 a pound. Once taken, the metal is sold to scrap yards. Metal has been stolen from agricultural equipment, businesses, homes and even lawn ornaments, he said. Recently, the thieves have been focusing on unused power lines along railroad tracks. "The lines used to run the train signals, but don't carry electricity any more," Bridges said. After stealing the lines, the thieves usually burn off the plastic coating to get to the copper wires. "If anyone sees any suspicious fires, they should report it, not just for the fire danger, but because it could be someone who has stolen wires," he said. In Salt Lake County, thieves have stolen 8.5 miles of train signal lines this year, Bridges said. Cell phone towers have also been targeted because they use large copper bars to protect the tower from lightning strikes. "Those bars are worth $30-$40 for the thieves, but if the tower is struck by lightning, it could ruin $250,000 worth of equipment," he said. Thieves have also hit unfinished homes, taking copper wiring and plumbing before the builders can finish the walls. Even aluminum irrigation pipes in fields have been targeted. With all the thefts, Bridges said, the sheriff's office may use the reverse-911 system to call residents in hard-hit areas to warn them and ask for help. Law enforcement is also working to have some local ordinances or state legislation created to require scrap companies to get picture identification of anyone selling scrap metal, he said. Many of the thieves are drug addicts who use the money to feed their habit, Bridges said. Investigators have a list of suspects in the metal thefts, but thefts are happening all the time and the public's help is needed, he said. Bridges asked residents to watch for suspicious activity and contact the Weber Consolidated Dispatch Center, 629-8221, with information.