(The following story by John A. Williams appeared on The Edmond Sun website on July 27.)
EDMOND, Okla. — The rising value of copper has led to a growing number of thefts in the Edmond area, including two more incidents this week.
Five businesses at 1000 N. Santa Fe were without air conditioning Tuesday as thieves took the cooper coils from each of their units.
The manager of the strip mall, Judith Ann Crews, told police the cost of the damage is about $15,000.
At the same time, John Emery from the Burlington Northern Railroad told police about 60 feet of flex wire was taken from a meter box on a pole next to the tracks in the area of 2100 S. Broadway.
The suspects also took six spans of 150-foot wire between two high line poles by cutting the wire. Emery said the wires run power to the crossing and are backed up by batteries.
Emery said the cost of repairs would be about $2,000 and the theft has caused a delay of trains.
Police spokeswoman Glynda Chu said the price of copper is about $3.50 a pound.
“The price is so high thieves are taking advantage by stealing it where they can,” she said.
Edmond Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrests in these crimes. Anonymous tips can be left at 359-4466.