Copper Thefts: Lawmakers consider tougher penalties

Tallahassee, Florida - With copper prices soaring, so is copper theft , creating power outages, communication breakdowns and other issues beyond the immediate thievery.

The problem has gotten so bad -- some people think the economic slowdown contributes to the crime -- that legislators are likely to increase penalties for copper theft that damages or interrupts utilities or communication services.

A bill moving quickly through the House and Senate would make such theft a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Copper theft has hit areas ranging from construction sites to citrus groves to homes, according to media reports from around the state, with the thieves usually taking the material to a recycler or scrap metal dealer, where it often sells for $3.20 a pound.

"Copper is one of the most expensive alloys n the construction business," said Rep. Trudi Wiliams, R-south Lee County, and an engineer. "Utilities, especially, use it a lot because it's got such great conductivity. But when it gets stolen, it can mean a lot of people lose their electrical power."

Williams signed on as an early sponsor "because it's a good anti-theft bill," she said. "The way people are stealing copper has turned into a real epidemic. Anything we can do to increase penalties against construction theft is a good thing."

Another sponsor, Rep. Bryan Nelson, R-Apopka, cited the crime element as a major reason for his support.

Because of the increased demand for metals, more people are becoming victims, Nelson said.

"We now find ourselves in a situation where business and homeowners are having to spend thousands to replace air conditioners and other items that have been destroyed for a few hundred dollars worth of copper," he said, adding that a crackdown in the law is certainly worthwhile.

No opposition has appeared in any committee hearings; the bill (HB 799) sped through three House committees unanimously and is now poised for a final vote on the floor.

The Senate measure (SB 1384) also passed two committees unanimously, and is scheduled to be heard by two more in that chamber.