Copper wire theft has been a longstanding issue plaguing businesses across the valley, with the Arts District in Las Vegas being particularly hard hit this summer. In response to the escalating problem, the Las Vegas City Council recently passed a new ordinance aimed at tightening regulations around the purchasing of copper wire, in the hopes of curbing these criminal activities.
Good Pie, a popular pizza restaurant located at 1212 S. Main St., fell victim to copper wire thieves over the weekend when they attempted to strip wire from a rooftop compressor. The owner estimates that repairs will cost at least $10,000, highlighting the financial burden these thefts place on businesses already struggling in the current economic climate.
Vincent Rotolo, the owner of Good Pie, expressed his frustration with the prevalence of these thefts, stating, “Thefts have been running rampant because it’s too easy for them to get the copper and then sell it to make a quick buck. We were fortunate to be able to make repairs quickly and reopen, but many others have not been as lucky.”
The new ordinance passed by the city council aims to make it more challenging for thieves to profit from stolen copper wire by imposing stricter rules on its purchase. Under the ordinance, buyers are required to provide proper documentation and payment verification when purchasing scrap metal or seven-strand utility wire within city limits. Additionally, buyers are prohibited from purchasing scrap metal that has not been transported to them by vehicle. Violations of these regulations will result in misdemeanor charges.
The impact of copper theft extends beyond just financial losses for businesses like Good Pie. Van Nguyen, who manages a kitchen that partners with a popular brewery, Able Baker Brewing, shared the challenges they faced when thieves targeted their establishment. Over the course of several nights in late August, thieves damaged six compressor or air conditioning units at the brewery, resulting in costly repairs totaling $15,000 to $20,000 per unit.
Nguyen recounted the brazen nature of the thefts, stating, “They got onto the roof overnight and cut into a refrigeration unit, dismantled the unit, stripped the copper, and then moved on to another unit at a vacant building.” The brewery was forced to operate with limited capacity while awaiting repairs, impacting both their business and their customers.
The spate of thefts in the Arts District has not gone unnoticed by local officials, who are keen to address the issue and protect businesses from further harm. Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft highlighted the widespread nature of copper theft in the region, noting that thieves have stolen approximately 1 million feet of copper wire in unincorporated Clark County since 2022, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for the government.
In response to the escalating problem, the county has implemented alternative solutions such as installing solar-powered streetlights in trouble zones to deter thieves and reduce the reliance on copper infrastructure. These solar lights require higher maintenance levels to ensure proper operation, with the county closely monitoring their performance as part of a pilot program to assess their viability in other areas.
The impact of copper theft extends far beyond just financial losses, as businesses like Good Pie and Able Baker Brewing have experienced disruptions to their operations, loss of revenue, and increased insurance costs as a result of these criminal activities. The psychological toll on staff members and the community at large is also significant, as the sense of security and safety is eroded by these brazen thefts.
As city officials work to enforce the new ordinance and crack down on copper theft, it is essential for businesses and residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. By working together and taking a stand against these criminal acts, the community can help protect businesses and preserve the integrity of the Arts District for years to come.