Thieves who have been combing the city stealing street signs, manhole covers and wire are going to find out that selling the precious metals is going become very difficult.
Thieves who have been combing the city stealing street signs, manhole covers and wire are going to find out that selling the precious metals is going become very difficult.
That’s because several city agencies led by the Albuquerque Police Department have been targeting recycling centers that pay top dollar for copper.
Recently, APD, the Safe City Strike Force, the Fire Marshall’s Office and city code inspectors conducted a two-day sweep of 12 recycling centers in the city – many of which were not even licensed through the state department of Regulation and Licensing.
As a result, investigators recovered more than 7,000 pounds of stolen copper wire, several street signs and man hole covers. Investigators estimate more than $150,000 worth of property was recovered. One recycling center was shut down due to numerous building code violations.
APD has also formed a new partnership with recycling center owners. A web site has been created allowing companies like Qwest to send mass emails out to recycling centers, alerting them that stolen copper wire might be coming to their doors. Thus far, most of the recycling centers have been cooperating.
During the sweep, fire marshals, building inspectors and police officers formed three teams and performed inspections. They also took with them engineers from Qwest, who were able to instantly recognize the copper.
About two years ago, police started to notice an increase in copper theft from construction sites. In recent months, thieves have been targeting manhole covers and street signs.
“If we can cut off the flow of money, copper will be less appealing to thieves,” Mayor Berry said. “Like we have done with retailers, pawn shop owners, and the construction industry, we will work together to combat property crime.”
