East Las Vegas valley residents hope to see change after ordinance passed to crack down on copper wire theft

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – People in the east valley told 8 News Now they hope to see a change after the Las Vegas City Council passed a new ordinance to crack down on copper wire theft.

“No lights, it’s too dark,” Desiree Hamilton said of her neighborhood. “No one can see.”

Hamilton told 8 News Now that copper theft is affecting the area near Charleston Boulevard and Pecos Street.

“There’s been a lot of copper out there,” Hamilton said. “And sometimes they will throw it over our wall into our backyard.”

According to Hamilton and others who live in the area, metal is regularly stolen from street lights. This has left many in danger in the dark.

“It’s really bad,” she said. “Because you can’t see around here.”

According to City of Las Vegas officials, 100 miles of copper wire have been stolen or damaged since October 2022.

Over $1 million in time and materials have been spent to address and repair the theft and damages, according to city staff.

“That has really become a citywide issue,” City of Las Vegas Traffic Engineer Joseph Norby said during Wednesday’s city council meeting. “That we’re fighting with copper wire theft.”

He said he hopes the new ordinance passed by Las Vegas City Councilmembers Wednesday will help them crack down on crime.

“We do really believe that this will be an impact,” Joey Paskey, Las Vegas Director of Public Works said.

Bill 2024-22, which builds on existing law, makes it illegal for any person or business to purchase scrap metal or seven-strand utility wire within city limits without the right documentation or identification.

It also requires any seller to transport said metal by car to sell it. While speaking to council members, Norby said this is one of many steps to curb the problem.

“Outside of some legislative efforts that are in the works,” he said. “How can we help curb the copper wire theft throughout the city?”

The idea is to make copper wire less appealing to steal by making it more difficult to sell.

This is an effort Hamilton hopes to see make change in her area.

“We can see,” she concluded. “It might.”

Anyone who violates this ordinance can be charged with a misdemeanor. The minimum fine for the first violation is $500 and any subsequent violation could be $1,000 or more.

Las Vegas officials also said during Wednesday’s City Council meeting that they are working to make wire less accessible in street lights by welding poles closed and installing copper wire in less accessible places.

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