The Brief
- Rampant copper theft in western Washington is causing millions in damage to small businesses, local streetlights, and transit systems.
- Officials estimate that $1,000 of stolen copper can cause $100,000 in structural damage, forcing local owners to pay tens of thousands out-of-pocket for repairs.
- King County prosecutors are pushing state lawmakers to pass strict new scrap metal buyer regulations, including photo logs and mandatory holding periods.
Persistent copper wire theft is striking western Washington, targeting local businesses, transit systems, and streetlights while also driving up repair costs.
Following stalled legislation during the last session in Olympia, King County prosecutors are preparing to ask Washington lawmakers to try again with stricter regulations on scrap sales.
Business Owners Face Massive Repair Bills
What they’re saying:
Small business owners in Seattle report significant financial losses from repeated copper thefts. At Ballard’s Lockspot Cafe, owner Alison Soike dealt with three destructive break-ins that wrecked the restaurant’s refrigeration, requiring $10,000 in repairs.…