LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Law enforcement and leaders across the Las Vegas Valley are looking to the Nevada legislature to tackle a massive problem impacting countless Nevadans – copper thieves who strip wire from streetlights and create dangers for drivers and pedestrians.
“This is really a priority issue, as big of a priority as I’ve seen in a long time for the legislature,” said Warren Hardy, who is behind the effort. He’s a former Nevada lawmaker-turned-lobbyist who represents local recyclers, has worked with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and their copper theft task force since it was created 15 years ago, and recently helped spearhead ordinances in Clark County and Las Vegas to stop the sale of stolen copper.
“There’s a lot of momentum behind it because people recognize that there’s a problem,” Hardy said.
FOX5 also interviewed LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill on the issue, who also discussed the need for a state law to tackle the problem.
The proposed bill would penalize the possession of stolen copper wire and municipal-grade copper wire (typically used in streetlights).
The proposal would mirror a similar law passed in 2023, to crack down on the rampant theft of catalytic converters. The law makes it a felony to possess stolen catalytic converters – unless they’re a licensed business or mechanic.
The law would require people with copper wire to show proof of ownership or proper transfer of ownership, such as a letter from an employer, transferring ownership of a bulk load of copper to a construction employee.
Hardy said that he and others are pushing for the crime of possession of stolen copper to be classified as a felony, though there are other lawmakers that question what the penalty should be.
The bill draft has been requested by the Interim Standing Committee on Government Affairs, Hardy said. The bill should be ready by the start of the session in February.
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