Sixty days after Fresno County lawmakers approved a new ordinance penalizing all phases of copper wire theft, local law enforcement is celebrating a precipitous decline in the ever-costly crime against property owners.
Now, two of the lawmakers behind the measure are hoping to recruit neighboring Valley counties to end the scourge of local farmers and business owners altogether.
The back story: Fresno County’s Board of Supervisors authorized a new ordinance to stiffen penalties on stealing, receiving, and possessing stolen copper wire in the hopes of eliminating the market for the stolen precious metal that has proven critical to farming outfits and small businesses.
- Under the ordinance, violators face a misdemeanor charge and a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, as well as fines. The first violation would result in a $500 fine, with a $750 fine and a $1,000 fine for a second and third violation, respectively, within one year.
- The City of Fresno approved a companion measure to create a “united front” against copper wire theft, despite some initial objections from Fresno County’s top cop.
- At the time, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office expressed concern about authorizing the ordinance without prior clearance from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
- Fresno County and city lawmakers moved forward and adopted their respective ordinances, setting aside concern for potential Sacramento intervention.
- Earlier in June, Bonta came out in support of statewide efforts to crack down on the thefts and associated vandalism of commercial properties.
The details: Friday, Fresno County Supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Nathan Magsig announced that, in the wake of their anti-copper wire theft measure, thefts decreased by 82 percent since enactment.
- A typical month, Fresno County claimed, would feature an average of 10 to 15 copper wire thefts per week. Since adoption, copper wire thefts in the county have dropped to “fewer than 10… per month.”
- Now, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is planning to host more than two dozen Ag crimes investigators across four neighboring counties to coordinate upgraded legislation to extend enforcement beyond Fresno County.
What they’re saying: “This is exactly the kind of result we aimed for when we passed this ordinance,” said Supervisor Garry Bredefeld. “Copper wire theft was out of control—costing our businesses, farms, and taxpayers millions of dollars. We took action, and now we’re seeing results. This proves that when government gets serious, cracks down on crime, and gives law enforcement the tools they need, we can make our communities safer. Fresno County will continue to lead the charge.”
- “Copper wire theft has plagued Fresno County for years. Clearly, this ordinance has helped curb copper theft, saving farmers, businesses, and individuals tens of thousands of dollars in costly repairs,” said Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
- “Our repeat offenders tell us that they know about the ordinance and want to avoid Fresno County. We hope the downtrend continues. Because of this success, we’re hosting a meeting with about 30 AG investigators from Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Madera to discuss our ordinance and assist their counties to implement similar legislation” said Sergeant John Wages, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
