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House OKs criminalizing copper wire theft
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Posted on Jun 24 2008
The House of Representatives has passed a third version of the measure addressing the recent cases copper wire theft in the in the Commonwealth.
By a unanimous vote, the House members approved a bill to criminalize copper theft and impose stiff penalties on offenders.
The bill, which now heads to the Senate for action, would supersede two previous laws enacted to deter copper wire theft.
Under the proposed legislation, Proper identification will be required of all persons selling recycled copper wire. Payments to copper sellers will be subject to a 10-day hold. Further, recycled products will be allowed to be shipped off island until 45 has passed from the date of purchase by the recycler.
Individuals caught stealing copper wire will face up to 15 years in prison and or a maximum $50,000 fine.
The Legislature previously passed two laws against copper wire theft. Enacted in November 2006, Public Law 15-36 required recycling business to record and report purchases of these products.
This was amended in April 2007 by Public Law 15-55, which established a 45-day waiting period for recycling centers before they can ship products off island. The legislation was intended to help law enforcers by expanding the window of opportunity to discover goods re-sold to recycling centers.
Despite these laws, major thefts have continued to occur.
In August 2007, copper wire thieves hit the empty La Fiesta Shopping Mall, taking $400,000 worth of copper and cutting power to the Department of Public Works.
Less than a month later, copper wire was stolen in Isley Field, causing a water outage in the Dandan, Airport Road, and As Lito areas.
