Copper thieves pick new target in Downtown Fresno

FRESNO, Calif (KFSN) -- Metal thieves are at it again. Now they're bypassing the city's $2 million plan to secure copper wire in street lights. The city isn't the only victim, however.

Action News viewers called us saying at night it's extremely dark around Downtown Fresno. Looking at some of the poles in the area it's easy to see why.

"Most of the 100 that are out in downtown are due to vandalism of the street lights," said Fresno Public Works Director Scott Mozier. "These are the decorative street lights."

Copper theft dropped significantly when the city began cementing over electrical boxes. But, crooks are finding new ways to get to the precious metal.

Wires were also recently ripped out poles in the Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association parking lot. "It's going to be some significant cost for probably $10 in profit these guys made," said FDSA President Eric Schmidt.

The building is used for events weekly and Schmidt says guests are concerned about security since the lights have no power.

"Our deputies deal with it constantly in the rural areas," he said. "We're always chasing these guys that are out at the metal yards trading this wire in. And our Ag theft unit is working this case as well."

Just down the street, the city has already used cement to secure electrical boxes that were stripped of copper wire at CMAC, the local public access TV station.

But it wasn't just copper theft there, a nearly 100 year old bronze railing was pulled right off its posts at the historic city-owned building.

"We will see people attacking whatever it is, city infrastructure with heavy tools and equipment, causing a great deal of damage," Mozier said.

It appears prevention efforts will need to be updated as quickly as crooks come up with new ways to steal.

Police say the best way to catch the people stealing copper wires is to report them as soon as you spot anything suspicious. It is much easier to catch someone in the act than tracking them down afterward.