Shame on the individual or individuals responsible for the theft of copper from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield.
Their actions were not only criminal in nature, but also reprehensible. Stealing copper from a church is a new low.
The person or persons of still unknown removed copper water lines, fittings and other copper material from the church, and tore down ceiling tiles to get at copper pipes in the ceiling. In doing so, they left a “pretty big mess” for the congregation to clean up, according to Patrolman M.L. Ramsey of the Bluefield Police Department.
Sadly, copper thefts remain a significant problem in our region. And the criminals are becoming increasingly brazen in their acts.
The theft of copper from substations across southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia also is still a big problem for Appalachian Power, according to company spokesman Phil Moye.
According to Moye, more than 100 miles of copper has been stolen from company facilities in southern West Virginia alone. Appalachian Power as a result has been forced to dedicate two crews just to replace wire that is stolen. Moye said those crews — who are having to spend all of their time replacing stolen copper lines — could and should be doing other maintenance work and duties for the company.
Those copper thieves who are continuing to perpetuate this outrageous scourge of criminal activity in rural southern West Virginia are not only committing a felony, they are also playing with fire. We have repeatedly seen the headlines of individuals who have been killed — in many instances fatally electrocuted — while trying to steal copper.
Moye said the consequences of handling energized electric wire can be fatal. In this year alone, fatalities involving copper thefts have been reported in Boone, Logan and Raleigh counties.
“It’s a very dangerous activity for the thief and it creates problems for the residents because they’re left without power,” Moye said. “Homes are vulnerable to power spikes when ground wires and neutral wires are stolen. We do offer a reward for information leading to a conviction for that.”
Lawmakers correctly took action earlier this year to make the theft of copper wire a felony offense in certain situations, including the theft of copper wire that would adversely impact vital communications to police, fire or 911 emergency call centers.
While the tougher legislation is welcomed, it is evident that additional action will be needed to put an end to this continued problem in southern West Virginia — particularly if someone is willing to stoop so low as to steal copper from a church.
We are going to need tougher penalties, increased enforcement and additional educational efforts.
The theft of copper is never an acceptable action. It is illegal, highly dangerous and an outrage to those law-abiding citizens us who are proud to call the beautiful mountains of southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia home.
Editorials
December 1, 2010
Shameful — Copper thieves hit a new low
- Editorials
-
- Black eye for W.Va. — Primary vote merits need for change
- Mountain Festival — Family-oriented fun in the Bluefields
- Under attack — The Obama-led EPA strikes back
- Veterans clinic — Time for action from Washington
- Smooth transition — Spencer tapped for McDowell post
- Coalfields Expressway — A six-year commitment in Virginia
- Troops to Trucks: Putting veterans to work in Virginia
- Day report center — McDowell must expedite funding search
- Tourism season Exhibition mine expecting a crowd
- Ready to serve — New troopers for Mercer, McDowell
- More Editorials Headlines
