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12/07/05 |
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Peoria Police See Sharp Increase in Thefts of
Copper The City of Peoria is experiencing an increase in the theft of copper pipe and copper material from construction sites, and Crime Analysts from other Valley agencies are seeing the same trend. Peoria has had 32 incidents since the 18th of November. Sonoran Mountain Ranch, a subdivision under construction near Dynamite Road and 75th Avenue, had twenty-five incidents between noon on Sunday, Nov 27th, and 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov 28th. Suspect/s took copper pipe and pressure reduction valves from the front yard of homes under construction. Crime Analysts monitoring this trend note that this crime is not particularly labor intensive, and has a high yield. These materials often sit unattended at home sites, and can be easily sold at recycling centers. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, refined copper is selling for 36% more than last year and 122% more than two years ago. Copper is selling at scrap metal recycle centers for $1.22 to $1.71 per pound depending on type and grade of the copper. Authorities believe that the vast majority of these crimes are being committed by construction employees or methamphetamine users. With the high volume associated with the valley’s housing market, there is no shortage of opportunity for these types of thefts. Peoria Police are asking citizens who see suspicious activity near homes under construction to call police immediately and report it. ### |
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"Our Community, Our Commitment" |
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