Authorities in Sangamon and Morgan counties are working together to catch thieves who are breaking into cell phone towers and taking copper wiring, according to the State Journal Register. Morgan County sheriffs have recorded five thefts in the past few weeks with Sangamon County showing three with one reported Friday in the 1500 block of South Mount Pulaski Road near Illiopolis.
Morgan County Chief Deputy Mike Carmody said 60-foot sections of heavy-gauge copper wire has gone missing at the sites with property damage valued at around $2,000 per tower. Copper prices are rising, trading at $2.60 a pound on Monday, according to CNBC, up from $2.25 a pound in November.
Carmody told the Register the thieves knew how to turn off the power at the sites, while leaving behind the less valuable aluminum wiring. Sgt. Rodney Vose of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said the thieves are likely familiar with the towers. “They are in and out rather quickly,” Vose said.
The Morgan County thefts have have occurred near Murrayville, Alexander and Franklin and have included both cell towers and broadcast towers.
Anyone with information on the thefts, the Register reported, can call their respective Crime Stoppers office. Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard County can be reached at 788-8427 or online at: www.cashfortips.us. Tips can also be sent by text. Type TIP672 plus a message and send to CRIMES. Informants are eligible for cash rewards of up to $2,500. More information can be found at the web site.
May 23, 2017
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