HomeMy WebLinkAbout050615_Copper metal theft rewardPage 1 of 2
May 6, 2015
For more information contact:
Kevin Milosevich, Chief of Police, Renton Police Department 425-430-7500
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator 425-430-6569
Reward! Stop Copper Theft!
City offers $1,000 for information leading to arrest of thieves
RENTON— In the battle against vandals, the City of Renton announced today a rewards
program that will pay $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of
anyone caught stealing copper wire and other metals from its facilities.
“The costs of these thefts are substantial and borne by our taxpayers,” said Mayor
Denis Law. “By offering cash rewards for tips that lead to arrests and convictions we
hope to both identify individuals responsible for these losses and reduce the number of
thefts.”
Copper thefts alone in Renton have cost the city more than $88,000 in damages in the
past six years.
website: rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
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The most recent theft took place on May 5, at Ron Regis Park in Renton. The city is
currently evaluating the total damage of this incident including the amount of wire and
the costs for needed repairs. In February this year, thieves stole about 2,000 feet of
wire and connectors from Ron Regis Park. The cost of materials alone is $8,000—and
this does not include staff time spent with the clean-up and additional reinforcements
of the repair. On Christmas day 2014, copper thieves stole hundreds of feet of copper
wire cables from the Clam Lights display in Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, turning
the lights out on several sections of the display.
“Another frustration is the fact that there are individuals and dealers who are
purchasing these stolen materials,” said Law. “We plan to work with other jurisdictions
to identify and prosecute those dealing in stolen metals.”
The Renton police department has several efforts underway to catch the offenders and
decrease the thefts in the city. Criminal charges can range from a misdemeanor to
felony burglary, depending upon the value of the material and whether the person in
possession of the stolen property can be identified as the actual thief. Besides the
rewards program, the city is bolstering security and instituting other undisclosed
measures to catch thieves.
"As the price of scrap metal, particularly copper, rises, we've seen the number of thefts
go up exponentially," said Police Chief Kevin Milosevich. “If you have any information
about copper or metal thieves, please contact us and give us a chance to put these
criminals where they belong.”
To report suspicious activity or information that could lead to the arrest and conviction
of copper and metal thieves call 9-1-1. For more information visit rentonwa.gov.
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