BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Copper wire thefts are becoming more common in Kern County, particularly in rural areas where thieves can quickly steal and resell the valuable metal, authorities and a former police chief say.
Authorities say stolen copper is often quickly sold or repurposed.
“It is a precious metal, copper, and they can exchange it readily and very easily,” said Dr. Tommy Tunson, the former Arvin police chief. He said that value makes copper a prime target for thieves and that it is “easy to target and easy to steal.”
Three people were arrested after allegedly stealing copper wire and causing about $30,000 in damages in Kern County. PHOTO: KCSO
On April 1, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant as part of a copper wire theft investigation. Deputies said they found about 200 pounds of stolen commercial-grade copper wire, along with burglary tools, leading to the arrest of four people.
The arrests are part of what officials describe as a growing trend of copper wire thefts across Kern County.
Deputies said the areas of Lamont, Arvin, and Tejon have seen an increase in these thefts.
Two people were arrested in Lamont after allegedly being found with 300 pounds of stolen copper wire. PHOTO: KCSO
Dr. Tunson said rural communities can be especially vulnerable because of the open land and limited resources available to deter or catch suspects. “It’s a target-rich environment for criminals to go ahead and conduct themselves like that because of the scarcity, the ruralness of the area,” Tunson said. “You can’t have a police officer or deputy at every corner.”
Dr. Tunson also said these crimes can require significant manpower to prevent, especially in rural areas where resources are limited.
He said the thefts can have a major economic impact on rural communities that do not have unlimited resources to replace stolen copper. Those most at risk include farmers, contractors and construction workers, he said.
Dr. Tunson said these thefts are often not random. “I believe copper is organized,” he said. “You don’t just randomly go to someplace and steal copper.”
Light pole access panels broken into (Photo: FOX26 Photojournalist Olen Hogenson)
Dr. Tunson advised people who use copper wire to take extra steps to secure it. He said prevention is key, especially in areas where law enforcement presence may be limited. “I would fence it, build it, keep it more secure and a physically secure location because you know that it’s gonna be the target and the prevention is the best medicine for that,” he said.
Authorities urge anyone who notices suspicious activity in rural areas to report it to local law enforcement.