EKB News

Copper theft is on the rise in Mingo County. The Mingo County Sheriff’s Department has made several arrests over the last week. Joe Smith, with the sheriff’s department told us that thieves are climbing telephone poles, cutting telephone lines, and then they burn the coating that protects the copper. Smith added, that the criminals then take the copper to salvage yards , where they sell the copper. One person before he was apprehended cashed in $2,400. Smith says that theft of copper has increased dramatically over the past month. Smith says, that telephone wire is becoming a favorite target because there is no risk in being electrocuted and plus the price for copper is high. Smith says that if you believe someone is stealing copper. Contact the sheriff’s department at 235-0300.