City Plans to Stamp Out Copper Theft

This intersection in west Natomas is now well lit thanks to new copper wiring stamped with the words “City of Sacramento.”

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Sacramento law enforcement on Thursday unveiled plans to “stamp out” copper theft citywide.

Officials demonstrated the use of new copper wiring at the intersection of Alboran Sea Circle and Catalan Sea Avenue, located in the unfinished K Hovnanian Homes development in west Natomas, where thieves had stolen valuable copper wiring from streetlamps.

City and county officials unveil plan to “stamp out” copper theft.

Over the last three years, copper wire theft has cost Sacramento taxpayers millions of dollars, impacted neighborhoods, and resulted in more than 20,000 street light repairs. According to law enforcement, wire theft occurred more than once every two days, on average, just two years ago.

Since teaming up with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office to create the Metal Task Force, officials said data has shown a decrease in copper wire-related cases. In an effort to further curb copper wire theft, new copper wire insulation will be stamped with “City of Sacramento” so it is identifiable as city property to law enforcement, recyclers, and the community.

Sacramento is the first major city in California to implement this technique. The process has a nominal setup cost and the stamping is free.

Officials from the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said they continue to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for copper thefts.

The city’s marking on the insulation will make the wire identifiable as stolen property and possession of the insulation could result in an arrest.