City officials offer $1,000 reward for help catching thieves (February 9, 2012) |
CORONA (KTLA) - Somebody's been stealing the copper wire out of the streetlights in Corona.
The City of Corona Police and Public Works Departments are looking for help in catching the thieves. A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in these cases.
In commercial areas and a few isolated residential areas in Corona late at night and in the early morning hours, thieves have been stealing the underground wire between streetlights. The wire is then cut into smaller pieces, resembling scrap metal, and taken to recycling centers for cash.
Due to the rising value of copper, this crime has become very profitable for thieves.
The City of Corona advises that stealing copper wire is a dangerous business that jeopardizes public safety. Tampering with wires can cause serious harm, bodily injury or death. In many cases, these suspects leave exposed electrical wire in their wake, which presents the potential for injury to anyone who comes into contact with it.
The crime can also result in power and utility outages, leaving neighborhoods and thoroughfares in the dark.
Corona city officials advise that the criminals will often scout their targets. Accordingly, they ask that If you see suspicious people or cars in your area, please report it to the Corona Police Department by calling (951) 736-2333, or in case of emergency, 911.
The City of Corona Police and Public Works Departments are looking for help in catching the thieves. A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in these cases.
In commercial areas and a few isolated residential areas in Corona late at night and in the early morning hours, thieves have been stealing the underground wire between streetlights. The wire is then cut into smaller pieces, resembling scrap metal, and taken to recycling centers for cash.
Due to the rising value of copper, this crime has become very profitable for thieves.
The City of Corona advises that stealing copper wire is a dangerous business that jeopardizes public safety. Tampering with wires can cause serious harm, bodily injury or death. In many cases, these suspects leave exposed electrical wire in their wake, which presents the potential for injury to anyone who comes into contact with it.
The crime can also result in power and utility outages, leaving neighborhoods and thoroughfares in the dark.
Corona city officials advise that the criminals will often scout their targets. Accordingly, they ask that If you see suspicious people or cars in your area, please report it to the Corona Police Department by calling (951) 736-2333, or in case of emergency, 911.
