IID says recent copper theft is consistent with worst year on record
The Imperial Irrigation District is reporting a sharp increase in copper theft in the Coachella Valley during the first half of the year.
Officials said over the past few weeks the district has investigated copper theft at 10 separate locations along one of IID’s main electrical circuits. And this week, crews responded to a major theft at a Coachella manufacturing facility where thieves hit a small substation.
In the recent rash of copper thefts, thieves have been targeting energized underground electrical structures and street lighting systems. The uptick (55 reported incidents so far in 2016) is consistent with the district’s worst year on record for copper theft, which was in 2012 when repairs cost IID ratepayers over $1 million, according to the release.
“Unfortunately, thieves seem to be getting more brazen in their attempt to steal copper from energized energy structures, taking an incredible amount of risk to life and limb,” said IID investigator Robert Haskell.
Authorities warn that theft of electrical energy equipment is extremely dangerous and could result in death.
Officials also said that copper theft is expensive for ratepayers. The theft at the mini substation alone will result in about $10,000 in repairs, yet the amount of cash thieves might get would amount to very little.
IID and law enforcement asks the public to be vigilant to help fight copper theft. You should watch out for any suspicious activity near electrical equipment and report the information to police.
