Mobile Police See Significant Reduction in Copper Theft

Feb 28th, 2013

The Mobile Police Department has recorded a significant decrease in reported thefts involving copper and other precious metals. The Department worked with several law enforcement agencies, the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, and private companies including AT&T and Alabama Power to create legislation placing new restrictions and limitations on the selling, possessing and payment to individuals attempting to scrap these metals.

The new laws became effective August 1, 2012 and with beginning the new enforcement, Mobile Police has reported a more than 50% decrease in stolen copper since June 2012 and an 85% decrease in Air Condition Thefts since July 2012.

These laws have saved the victims of these crimes thousands of dollars in replacement cost while the person committing the crime will only receive approximately $15 to $20 per air condition theft.

The Mobile Police Department will continue to investigate and monitor these thefts to determine if future adjustments are needed.

If anyone has information about criminal activities involving these stolen materials, please call the Mobile Police Department at 208-7211, or an anonymous text can be sent to 274637 and include the keyword CRIME 411 followed by a crime tip.