LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Tuesday, the Clark County Commission adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale of copper wire without proper documentation.
This is in effect for recycling plants and scrap yards. Clark County says it’s also illegal for businesses to purchase scrap metal from walk-up sellers and prohibits cash payments for copper wire.
The ordinance was proposed by Commissioner Michael Naft. It says the seven-strand copper wire is commonly used in municipal or utility operations unless sellers provide documentation that verifies it’s been lawfully acquired.
This ordinance is an effort to curb wire theft.
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“This ordinance is an important tool in our efforts to crack down on the widespread problem of copper wire theft that is leaving our neighborhoods in the dark and costing taxpayers a fortune,” said Commissioner Naft. “If you can’t sell stolen wire, there’s no reason to steal it. I want to thank our industry and community partners for working with us to strengthen our local ordinances to deal with costly crime.”
Clark County’s Public Works Department estimates that nearly 1 million feet of streetlight wiring has been stolen since 2022, with more than $1.5 million replaced during that time.
“Staff from our Public Works Department is working to keep the streetlights on every day in our local neighborhoods, but thefts continue,” said Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom. “This ordinance will make it harder for thieves to sell stolen wire, and we hope it will make our streetlights less of a target for theft and vandalism.”
For more information, visit the county’s website.
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