KCSO proposes ordinance change to reduce copper, aluminum wire theft in Kern County

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A proposed addition to Kern County’s ordinance would define the standards of copper and aluminum wire theft in an attempt to crack down on the prevalent crime within the county, according to the Kern County Board of Supervisors agenda.

In a letter to the board, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office said copper and aluminum wire thefts serve as an “increasing problem” in Kern County, which cause significant financial damage to victims.

Metal thieves typically remove the sheathing that coats the wires by stripping or burning them off as the sheathing usually contains markings that identify the type of wire or cable and its owner, making it harder for law enforcement to find out who the lawful owner is.

Wires without the sheathing also sell for more expensive price