CAMDEN — An ongoing investigation into copper thefts from public utilities resulted in arrests and a warning that law enforcement would be on the lookout for thieves who steal the metal wire and scrap yards willing to pay for it.
On Tuesday, investigators with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office charged two men with receiving stolen property.
During a compliance check by Camden County Prosecutor’s Office investigators, the two men, employees of Fanelle’s Sons, a Camden scrap yard, were observed paying cash for wire clearly labeled as PSE&G property.
Charged were Darold Tribbett, 56, of Camden, and Thomas Acker, 38, of Oaklyn.
Investigators also informed the owners of the business that members of their staff had paid for stolen goods.
“This crime is not only a matter of theft,” Camden County Prosecutor Warren W. Faulk said. “It can disrupt the proper functioning of a city and can end up costing significant taxpayer money for repairs.”
Camden city in particular suffers from thieves scavenging copper from street lights, leaving the lights inoperable, Camden Police Chief Scott Thomson said.
“Street lighting is a proven deterrence to criminal activity and making people safe,” the chief said. “The actions of these thieves are diminishing the quality of life of our residents and we encourage the community to report to police immediately any tampering of light poles or access panels.”
Camden County investigators have worked specifically with PSE&G to address copper thefts that have been a constant and increasing problem for street lamps and power substations.
The copper, which ranges in diameter from a thin wire to the width of a garden hose, can bring up to $3.50 a pound from scrap yards in the area. That makes it a tempting target and people take serious chances, including risking electrocution, to pilfer the wire.
PATCO has also reported disruptions caused by copper theft.
Copper theft is an ongoing and costly problem for utilities, communications and transportation nationally. It’s recognized by the FBI as a threat to national security, as thefts can leave key infrastructures inoperable in times of emergency.
Investigators have seen people dig more than three feet underground to get access to the wire. Wire is taken from street lamps, substations, even from PSE&G yards where the wire is stored on spools. Officers target thieves, but are now focusing more closely on the scrap yards that pay for wire clearly labeled as PSE&G property.