VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A proposed ordinance coming before Clark County seeks to curb the sales of illegal copper at junk yard and recycling plants across the Las Vegas Valley, all to stop the rampant theft of wires from local street lights and utilities.
Commissioner Michael Naft proposes a new ordinance to make it more difficult for thieves to sell copper, and for businesses to purchase it. The goal is for other cities across the Las Vegas Valley to create similar ordinances, so Metro Police and various jurisdictions have equal tools to deter thieves and enforce penalties.
“If nobody was buying stolen material, then the thefts would cease to occur. We have at this moment, recyclers taking in the illegal product,” Naft said. Proposals for safeguards could include a minimum sale amount, to sellers getting checks in the mail rather than walking away with cash.
FOX5 has told you that more than 300 sites across Clark County have been targeted by thieves since 2022, with more than 500,000 feet of copper wire stolen. While crews make repairs and enact new safeguards for theft prevention, Clark County and Metro Police are looking to create a regional task force and enact new laws to provide new deterrents.
FOX5 told you about one accused thief that was responsible for 300 transactions to sell illegal copper. Businesses are required to keep records of a seller’s ID, photograph transactions and document sales.
Naft said the ordinance would require the feedback of the business community to aid law-abiding actors.
“We could even look to pawn shops that have done, over time, a good job figuring out how to weed out stolen material and work with law enforcement,” Naft said. The city of Las Vegas is already working on a similar ordinance, he said.
Naft plans to introduce the proposal next Tuesday. It will then take weeks to months for county staff and business licensing to craft an ordinance and get input from the business community and law enforcement.
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