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High-Voltage Fences For Zapping Would-Be Copper Thieves

Posted by Soulskill on from the Cu-on-the-other-side dept.

coondoggie writes "It may be a gimmick or the ultimate answer, but a California city this week okay-ed a draft ordinance that would let businesses install 7,000-volt electric fences to protect sites from rampant copper thieves. As reported by the Sacramento CBS station, the reaction from one business owner to the ordinance says it all: 'It'll be a little fun to watch one of these guys get electrocuted holding my fence trying to rob me.'"

3 of 363 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Cue the murder trial from early 90s... by networkBoy · · Score: 4, Interesting

    But this isn't a booby trap.
    The fences have to be properly signed, and are only allowed in industrial zoned areas.

    Frankly, I think it's a bit overkill, but I totally understand. A local yard was robbed of commercial sized spools of copper wire, had to cost a ton. Even worse, thieves have been opening the access panel on street lights and using their cars to pull the wire out.

    Rancho Cordova (where this passed) has long been seen as a higher crime area, not surprised they're going to these lengths at all.
    -nbr

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  2. Re:If they want to stop the copper thieves... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    That is the law in my state. Businesses not following it was rampant. But then, the state police started doing stings where they do things like bring multiple faucets or huge amounts of piping and the like. All it takes is one bust and you lose your recycling license for the business and the employee who doesn't report the suspicious transaction can be charged as well, which means they can be unhireable in that business and many others with the felony conviction. Lets just say that that cut into the problem quite a bit in the major cities.

  3. Re:If they want to stop the copper thieves... by viperidaenz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    When was the last time illiterate citizens legally obtained large amounts of copper they want to swap for untraceable cash?

    When was the last time someone not recorded in government registries was in the USA? hint: drivers license, social security number, birth certificate, travel/work visa... I can only think of illegal immigrants.

    Last time I dumped a bunch of copper pipe at a local scrap metal place I had to produce photo ID and fill out a form. I don't live in USA though.