Fresno County enacts new ordinance to combat copper wire theft

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fresno County is hammering down on copper wire criminals with a new ordinance that would target people in possession and transportation of stolen copper wire.

“This is another tool in the toolbox for our sheriff’s department,” said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.

“The objective is clear, Fresno County will not tolerate this crime,” said Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld.

The two supervisors’ new copper wire ordinance was passed unanimously Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.

Now, anyone found transporting or possessing more than 10 pounds of copper wire must prove they should have it or face a fine of up a $10,000 or nearly six months behind bars.

Sheriff John Zanoni says thieves steal copper to sell it for three dollars a pound. Meanwhile, the damage they cause ranges from the thousands to tens to hundreds of thousands.

“People steal wires, street lights go out, then we have a public safety issue,” said Sheriff John Zanoni.

Members of the Fresno City Council say they will be introducing a similar ordinance this Thursday.