Fresno County is cracking down on copper wire theft that causes millions of dollars in damage every year.
The City of Fresno is also looking to take similar action, with the hope from the Board of Supervisors being that every city in the county follows suit.
The big picture: Fresno County Supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Nathan Magsig introduced an ordinance during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting to target criminals who steal copper wire.
- The board passed the resolution unanimously with its first reading, and it will come back at a future meeting for final approval.
- Under the ordinance, people will be barred from receiving, possessing and transporting over 10 pounds of commercial grade copper wire, with licensed businesses exempted from the new rule.
Go deeper: Current state law mostly regulates recycling businesses instead of individuals, despite the fact that most copper wire theft is committed by individuals.
- The latest data from the county revealed $3 million in damage to commercial operations within the county’s jurisdiction in 2023. That does not include the damage done to residential or other business properties.
- Violators will 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.
- One bit of resistance emerged when Supervisor Brian Pacheco invoked an unreleased letter from Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp disputing the ability to prosecute the copper wire cases invoked by the ordinance.
- Despite the potential issue raised by the county’s chief law enforcement officer, Pacheco joined his other colleagues to vote in favor of the ordinance, citing Zanoni’s strong endorsement.
What we’re watching: The Fresno City Council will consider a bill for introduction on Thursday that would also set a 10 pound limit for copper wire possession while also exempting licensed businesses.
- Violators of the city’s proposed ordinance would face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, as well as an additional fine equal to the cost to repair or replace the stolen copper wire.
- The city would also fine violators $1,000 per 20 feet of aluminum or copper components.
What they’re saying: “The copper wire ordinance is designed to combat the growing and costly issue of copper wire and metal theft,” Bredefeld said. “This is not merely a property crime. It’s a pervasive and destructive offense that has resulted in millions of damages in business, farms and critical infrastructure across Fresno County. It’s imperative that we took this decisive action today to hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard our communities from further harm.”
- Magsig said the Sheriff’s Office told the board that deputies come into contact with many criminals who have tools and copper wire in their vehicles but are not able to make an arrest under current law.
- “Copper theft, wire theft is something that impacts the entire Central Valley,” Magsig said. “It impacts the entire state of California, and the Legislature of course has put laws in place that really regulate recyclers. This particular ordinance is very narrow. It focuses on possession and transportation.”
- Karbassi added, “Let me make one thing very clear: Property crimes are not victimless crimes. Our number one priority as a city – and I think it’s fair to say as a county – is to continue to go after and hold criminals accountable that commit violent crimes. But we’ve heard from our residents time and time again. They’re just tired of all the property crimes out there. And copper wire theft is not a victimless crime.”
