Thieves have been stealing miles of copper wiring over the past several weeks – and Springfield City Utilities needs your help to stop it.
CU is asking anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it.
In a press release, CU says thieves have taken underground copper wiring between streetlights in several parts of the city.
In one area, over a mile of overhead copper cable was stolen from utility poles.
Press Release
Copper theft from utilities is again on the rise with City Utilities the local
target of thieves, and utility customers the ultimate victim.
Over the past few weeks, thieves have taken the underground copper wiring between streetlights in several sections of Springfield leaving these areas without adequate lighting.
In another area, over a mile of overhead copper cable was taken from utility poles.
Besides the cost to repair and replace the stolen material, the situation is compounded by delaying work on other projects for the community.
City Utilities and local law enforcement are asking for the community’s assistance to stop the thefts and potentially identify the person or persons
responsible for copper theft.
You can help by calling 911 if you:
- Notice or have recently seen unusual activity around electric utility equipment. This could be in your neighborhood or other areas.
- Notice damaged or missing electric line or equipment.
- See or suspect workers not identified with City Utilities equipment, vehicles, clothing, or identification. Contract crews working for City Utilities will also have proper identification.
- Are suspicious of work being done late in the evening, overnight, or unexpected electric utility work during a weekend. Work during these hours is only assigned to City Utilities crews.
If you notice any situations like these, or suspect unusual activity, take note of any vehicles or persons, and photos or video if possible, and call City Utilities at 417-863-9000 or the Springfield Police Department and Greene County Sheriff’s Office at 9-1-1.
