3 central Las Vegas valley hit by copper wire thieves in past week; owners looking to implement security measures

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The community is rallying together after three businesses were hit by copper wire thieves this past week at the Rancho Towne and Country shopping center.

“I know it happens, but I didn’t know it happened in this area. Broadway is a main spot of mine and it’s just a shame people are trying to make money any way they can nowadays,” Broadway Pizza Customer, Mark Abbott shared with 8 News Now.

The first was Broadway Pizza, and then just days later, New York Bagel N’ Bakery and Starbucks were hit too.

“28 years in the same building and after all of these years, getting hit like this?” Broadway Pizza Customer, Tammy Anderson shared.

Owner, Anthony Rossi said while it’s been a stressful week, with their AC unit still down, the amount of support they’ve received from their customers has been tremendous.

“We’ve had people in the last week or so call us up and say we want to come down and get pizza because we saw your story and we don’t care how hot it is,” Rossi shared.

Rossi was in talks with New York Bagel N’ Bakery next door about different security measures they can implement to ensure that this doesn’t happen to them again.

“Adding lights and a blaring alarm system is a must. We will probably do something together to bring our costs down a little bit. We did get one estimate of $13,000, but hopefully, our insurance will cover it, however, we have to pay a deductible,” Rossi added.

Broadway Pizza was not letting a little warm air keep them from celebrating their 28th anniversary as it had a live band and a continued flow of loyal customers making their way through Saturday night.

“As soon as we are able to have live music again. It’s on. Get some good pizza and good music. That’s it. What’s better than that?” Rossi said.

It’s still unclear when ‘Broadway’ and the New York Bagel N’ Bakery will get their AC units replaced, but Starbucks already has their AC back up and running. Business owners also shared with 8 News Now that after this ordeal, they would like to see round-the-clock security on the premises at all times.

Since October, over 100 miles of copper wire have been stolen or damaged in Las Vegas. The County in the midst of working on its first copper wire theft task force to combat this issue.

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