Local News

Copper Thefts on Rise in Parts of N.C.

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but copper seems to attract plenty of thieves.
Posted 2006-12-28T12:00:59+00:00 - Updated 2006-12-28T14:36:58+00:00
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but copper seems to attract plenty of thieves.
Copper is becoming a popular target of thieves in North Carolina.

Since Dec. 10, the Fayetteville Police Department has received 301 reports of copper thefts in the city. In one case, the thieves caused $250,000 in property damage.

Since November, the town of Dunn reports 10 copper-related thefts, while the town of Erwin has seen four thefts and Lillington has had two.

Authorities said the thefts are due to the rising value of copper. It has skyrocketed 400 percent in the last two years.

According to authorities, thieves usually hit construction sites. Salvage yards pay about $2.50 per pound of copper.

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