What We Know: A new Missouri law taking effect at the end of August is expected to give law enforcement another tool to fight copper wire theft.
Senate Bill 903 creates a felony offense for unauthorized possession of certain copper wire, fiber, and telecommunications materials.
If the theft damages critical infrastructure or interrupts service, the crime can carry even tougher penalties.
What It Means: The Greene County Sheriff’s Office says copper theft has become a growing problem, especially in rural areas.
Deputies say the new law will make it easier to charge suspects found with large amounts of stolen wire, even if officers did not catch them in the act.
Utility officials also warn that stealing wire is dangerous.
A line superintendent for Ozarks Electric Cooperative says people who tamper with power lines risk serious injury or death because they often don’t understand the hazards.
The law does not apply to utility workers, contractors, recyclers or others who are legally authorized to possess the materials.
Authorities remind anyone who sees suspicious activity involving utility lines or wire theft not to confront suspects. Instead, call 911 and provide any photos or surveillance video that may help investigators.
(Courtesy of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office website.)