Lt. Irvin Robinson of the Henderson Police Department passed this area crime information alert along to us:
Over the past month there have been several thefts in the Henderson area involving the taking and removing of copper wiring, piping, and other metals (such as steel). These thefts have included removing copper piping from vacant rental houses or houses under construction or repair, breaking into supply areas of phone service companies and electrical companies, and taking metal from open areas and supply yards.
This activity is due to an increase in the prices offered for scrap copper due to the war in Iraq.
Businesses should carefully check their supply areas for security, and rental and construction companies should check vacant structures frequently. Construction sites where copper wiring and/or piping is being used should be secured as much as possible and video surveillance of long-term storage areas is advised, where possible.
Business and residential owners are encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department to report such thefts and ask neighbors and those around areas where copper and loose metal is stored to be on the lookout for suspicious persons trespassing in these areas.
For more information, please contact Lt. I.W. Robinson with the Henderson Police Department’s Crime Prevention/Community Services Section. Information on suspects can also be relayed to the department at (252) 438-4141 or through CrimeStoppers at (252) 492-1925.