Copper Thieves Keep Law Enforcement Busy This Summer

In many cities around the country, including Chicago, thieves are targeting churches, schools, businesses and even a funeral home to steal copper from air conditioning units. The long coils of copper within the units can be sold at scrap metal sites and this type of theft is becoming all too common. One man who was recently arrested in Tennessee had turned in 97 pounds of copper and received $ 1.50 per pound for it. 

Recent Examples of Copper Theft

Per recent reports, copper thieves have either stolen or damaged heavy-duty-air conditioning units in numbers of places in the U.S., including units at the Calusa Nature Center Planetarium in Florida, Evangelist Temple Church of God in Houston, Morningside Elementary in Alabama, Shackelford Funeral Home in Tennessee and the main post office in the Chicago superb of Riverside Illinois. In a county near Dallas, seven churches have had their air conditioners damaged or stolen since this past May.

Five air conditioning units were stolen from the Southwest Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America located in Fort Myers causing over $30,000 worth of damage. Theft of copper, platinum and other metals has become commonplace and in some cities, law enforcement has set up special units just to handle these crimes.

Have you been accused of a theft offense in Chicago?

Theft is a serious crime in Chicago and has severe penalties. If convicted, you could be sentenced to a number of years in prison and you will need a competent Chicago criminal defense attorney to help protect your freedoms. At the Law Offices of Mitch Furman & Associates, we have successfully represented many clients charged with theft offenses. We can help you by formulating a defense strategy and will challenge the theft offense charges being brought against you.

We offer free initial consultations and will go over the details of your case with you in person and in confidence. Contact a Chicago criminal defense lawyer in our office to arrange an appointment today.