Ameren Illinois Utilities Issue Warning on Dangers of Copper Theft
December 19 2007 - 11:08AM
PR Newswire (US)
Public can Help Curb this Deadly Crime PEORIA, SPRINGFIELD and
DECATUR, Ill., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As the value of copper and
other metals has risen, thieves are risking their lives and the
lives of innocent people to steal materials that contain copper
throughout the Ameren Illinois utilities service territory. Not
only have thieves stolen copper wire from Ameren Illinois utility
facilities, but they have targeted copper wire and pipes at
businesses, private homes and apartments. "Deaths have occurred in
at least 15 states when thieves have attempted to steal copper wire
from utility facilities. It is only a matter of time before a death
occurs here in Illinois," said Ron Pate, vice president of Regional
Operations for the Ameren Illinois utilities. "These thieves are
placing more than themselves in harm's way. Copper thefts can cause
extensive power outages, fires and explosions that may injury or
even kill innocent people. Copper theft is a crime that targets all
of us." The best line of defense against copper theft is
preparation and vigilance. Pate recommends these steps: -- If you
have information about a copper theft, report it immediately to
police or your local Crime Stoppers, an organization that offers
rewards but does not ask for a tipster's name. -- Immediately
report to the police any suspicious activity around Ameren Illinois
utility electric substations or other utility facilities. -- When
away from home, make certain your house and outbuildings are
securely locked. If you will be gone for an extended period of
time, notify the police, have a trusted friend or neighbor watch
your property, put lights on timer devices to give the home a
"lived in" look and stop mail, newspaper and other deliveries. Make
arrangements to have walks and drives cleared of snow. -- Both
homeowners and businesses should consider installing exterior
motion-sensor lights that help deter thieves and prowlers. -- Store
all tools and wire cutters in a secured location. -- Store all
materials containing copper in a secured building. -- Secure
construction sites. Consider hiring a night security guard. --
Secure vacant houses, apartments and other buildings. These are
common targets of copper thieves. On Jan 1, 2008, Illinois will
make it more difficult for copper thieves. A new state law requires
scrap metal processors to maintain a record of the identity of any
person selling scrap metal valued at $100 or more. This information
will be available to law enforcement authorities. "With the help of
our customers and others, we not only can curb copper thefts, but
help make certain no one is injured or killed by this potentially
deadly crime," Pate said. The Ameren Illinois utilities serve 1.2
million electric and more than 840,000 natural gas customers in a
43,700-square-mile area of Illinois. DATASOURCE: Ameren Illinois
CONTACT: Erica Abbett, +1-618-236-4329, or Natalie Hemmer,
+1-217-424-7541, or Neal Johnson, +1-309-677-5284, or Leigh Morris,
+1-217-535-5228, all of Ameren Illinois Web site:
http://www.ameren.com/
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