More Fires Linked To Copper Thefts, Say Firefighters

In Cincinnati, Ohio, WKRC-TV Channel 12 reported last month:

• A dangerous trend emerges as more thieves break into homes to steal copper. Firefighters, particularly on Cincinnati's West Side, say those thieves are starting more fires. In some cases, firefighters say copper thieves are starting fires on purpose, sometimes it's accidental. But regardless, it's often very close to homes where neighbors may not be aware of the danger next door.

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• "[T]hey'll either sometimes set the fire to cover up the theft or in trying to remove the copper say with a torch, they may start a fire," said Anson Turley, District 3 Fire Chief.
  Firefighters say usually vacant houses are the targets. Whether the fires are deliberately set, or accidental, the risk some copper thieves are posing to neighbors is real. [...] Firefighters are asking people fixing up homes to make sure they're secure, especially at night. They're also urging people who live next door to vacant homes to keep a close eye on them.

Local firefighters also say the damage associated with copper theft is escalating. In one recent case, thieves caused $500 in damage for just $10 worth of metal.

For other stories on stolen copper, see Copper Thefts I and Copper Thefts II. copper metal theft yak