"Copper thefts on the increase...residents beware!"

June 1, 2011 column for the Morgan County Citizen and Lake Oconee News.

Unfortunately, individuals with a propensity to take from others are now stooping so low they’re taking from churches—of all places! Recently, there’s been a steady increase in copper thefts where the perpetrators are cutting the copper tubing that connects the external air conditioner units to the building. In many cases, they’re also dismantling the external air conditioning units for the copper components inside. In several other cases, they entered the crawl space under the church and removed all of the copper from there as well.

Nonetheless, copper is a hot commodity right now as the average payout is roughly four dollars or more per pound. Sadly though, as the price per pound increases, so does the number of copper thefts, especially from churches. It’s a problem that’s reaching epidemic proportions as it’s not only happening here in Morgan County, but in every jurisdiction surrounding Morgan County!

Fortunately, there are a few techniques available to combat this dilemma. First and foremost, everyone needs to be cognizant of the problem, thus the purpose of this article. It requires the same level of vigilance as that required to combat crime in general. Everyone must be observant of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity. Copper thieves prowl the streets in search for an easy target. Typically, they’ll conduct their research during the day and then return during darkness to commit the theft. However, others are bolder and commit the crime during daylight hours. If you see individuals or vehicles loitering near churches or vacant residences or structures at any time of the day, note their tag number or physical description and immediately contact the Sheriff’s Office. Let us ascertain their legitimacy.

Other techniques include branding the copper with either a logo, initials or merely by painting it. This aids law enforcement in identifying where it came from especially when we apprehend individuals in possession of cut up copper or when we conduct onsite examinations of area scrap yards. It’s excellent physical evidence to support a criminal prosecution.

As we aggressively prosecute those we’ve arrested thus far and diligently pursue those who continue to have little regard for the sacredness of religious institutions, we need your help by being the eyes and ears where we cannot be and by reporting anything out of the ordinary. If you know of or suspect someone involved in copper thefts, especially from our churches, please call our tip line anonymously at 706.342.1000. Together, we can bring these miscreants to justice!