Thieves are once again stealing copper across the city.
“It is easy money,” said Sgt. David Socha. ”Copper theft is easy money.”
Austin Police Sgt. David Socha says he sees anywhere from four to seven cases of copper theft a day. He says just as many do not get reported.
“It’s starting to be a big problem. It also hinges on prices of copper which is right now around $3.00 a pound,” said Socha.
Crooks are getting bold. They are moving away from stealing the valuable metal from vacant buildings and now targeting people’s home AC units.
“Now people are coming home and finding their ACs destroyed outside. It’s the middle of August in Texas. Beside the cost, it’s the misery."
The thieves rip off the AC covers stealing the copper cores inside. The average AC unit contains about $150 worth of copper, but they cost thousands to replace.
Thursday, the Austin City Council passed an ordinance that makes it tougher for people to sell or recycle stolen metals.
“We believe it does put some parameters in place to help us catch criminals who are stealing copper wire and other materials,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Martinez.
It requires people show proof of ownership of whatever they sell to a recycler.
Steve Larmic is with CMC Recycling. The company is in the scrap metal business.
“We're actually victims of crime also,” said Larmic. “A lot of times people break into our yard and steal material.”
In 2007, copper thefts in Travis County hit an all-time high because the price of copper reached well over $4.00 a pound. The price of the metal dipped after that, however, it is now on the rebound and so, too, are copper thefts.
“We want to support the police catch the criminals who are stealing materials, said Larmic.”
The ordinance takes effect October 15, 2010.
