Bartow Police Department Business Watch

 Copper theft continues to plague communities throughout the country. The high price of copper combined with poor economic conditions is fueling this growing crime. Air conditioning units located in vacant and foreclosed homes have always been especially vulnerable to thieves who are stealing them for the copper, but most recently the City of Bartow is the latest victim in this growing epidemic. Copper thefts and burglaries range from the stealing of air conditioning units on city properties, to copper wire from electrical substations, and from utility poles throughout the city. Thieves are targeting utility poles around the city, stealing copper wire from locations on West Stuart Street, South Woodlawn, and South Gaskin Road. Several thefts of copper were reported from utility poles located outside of the Bartow Police jurisdiction, but the locations are within the service area of Bartow Utilities. Stealing copper ground wire is not only very dangerous; it also affects the reliability of the system components and compromises public safety. Most people would assume that copper ground wire is harmless; however, just the opposite is true. Ground wire always carry measurable amounts of current and voltage to through the earth, which acts as a parallel path for the return of current to the source, the transformer. The person who commits this crime does so with great risk of bodily harm to themselves and their accomplices.
As a result of these crimes, the City is offering a reward for any information regarding copper thefts in and around Bartow. The city is ready to prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone caught stealing copper. If you observe suspicious activity or unmarked vehicles parked very near utility poles, please call the Bartow Police Department at (863) 534-5034 so that an officer may investigate. You may also call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-266-TIPS.
Lyn Bryan, BPD Community Services Coordinator, (863) 534.5034