Copper thefts are sharply rising across the Valley. Utility companies and Phoenix Police are reporting a 100% increase compared to last year. These hard-to-catch crimes are not only costing local governments and utility companies but also taking out critical services.
The consequences extend far beyond canceled baseball practice at parks. When thieves target copper wiring, they can disable 911 and emergency services, leaving residents vulnerable during critical moments.
“It’s not going to contribute to a death. It’s going to cause a death. Because grandma’s gonna fall and break her hip and she’s gonna pick her phone up and it’s not gonna work,” said Daniel Chason from CenturyLink’s theft and vandalism unit…