Harder Announces Efforts to Stop Copper Wire Theft with FBI

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-9) sent a follow-up letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray outlining legislation he’ll be introducing to crack down on copper wire theft in San Joaquin County and across the country. In May, Rep. Harder sent a letter to the FBI demanding more information and resources for fighting the surge of copper metal theft following the news that San Joaquin County has the highest levels of copper wire theft in the country.

Today’s letter outlines the legislation he’ll be introducing to tackle copper wire theft – which will require close coordination with the FBI and local law enforcement – including:

• Holding groups that buy stolen copper accountable;

• Increasing copper theft surveillance and prevention;

• And further studying the impact of copper theft on critical community services. 

“If you dial 911 in an emergency, you should be able to trust that your call will go through and you will get help,” said Rep. Harder. “Criminals are destroying lines and downing critical infrastructure to make some quick cash without a care in the world about the safety of our families. Our local police have done an incredible job protecting our community – including arresting multiple suspects over recent weeks. We must make sure our local law enforcement has the resources and backup to stop these criminals.”

The increased cost of copper is contributing to a new wave of theft of high-value metal similar to the wave of catalytic converter thefts. Copper can be resold for $2 - 4 per pound – the cost of repairing damaged phone lines and infrastructure is much higher. Harder has been in regular contact with law enforcement as well as telecommunications companies to come up with a bill that will help reduce copper wire theft.

Read Rep. Harder’s letter to FBI Director Wray HERE and below:

June 15, 2023

Director Wray,

I write to follow up on my May letter regarding the rise of copper thefts in the United States. As previously mentioned, my district is facing a significant rise in copper wire theft. San Joaquin County appears to be the epicenter of this criminal activity, with officials saying we now lead the nation in reported copper wire thefts.

At the same time, I have seen our local law enforcement in San Joaquin County step up to the challenge of combating these crimes. In six weeks, local law enforcement in my district have arrested multiple individuals who were in possession of stolen wires and are thought to be connected with these crimes.

This issue is not isolated to my district. Just last week, individuals in Pennsylvania were arrested  in connection to the theft of nearly $15,000 of copper wire. Given the potential impact these crimes can have on emergency services, law enforcement, businesses, and service companies, we have to address this issue through an all-of-government approach. That is why I am drafting legislation to crack down on copper theft by holding groups that buy stolen copper accountable, increasing copper theft surveillance and prevention, and further studying the impact of copper theft on critical community services. I look forward to working with you to ensure my bill will address this issue once and for all. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

Josh Harder

Member of Congress

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