The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of copper thefts in which suspects stole copper wiring from large light poles. The most recent theft occurred at a school. On April 16 at about 3:30 a.m., a patrol officer was conducting a building check at Westlake High School, 3300 Middletown Road in Waldorf, when he discovered someone had tampered with the light poles near the back of the parking lot. A closer look revealed the wires were pulled out of the pole, cut and stolen. Copper wires were recently stolen from two other schools and two businesses. Officers have been directed to increase patrols in these areas and residents are urged to report suspicious activity immediately.

Nationwide, copper thefts have increased significantly. Thieves target anything with copper including plumbing and copper components from heating and air conditioning units. Thefts can occur at any time of the day and at various places including vacant homes, occupied homes, homes under construction and businesses. In some cases, the suspects may appear to be contractors.

The theft of copper can disrupt the flow of electricity, telecommunications, transportation, heating and air conditioning, and could present a risk to public safety. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of individuals stealing copper and other metals.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Learn more at the CCSO’s website.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Learn more at the CCSO’s website.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency comprised of more than 600 police, corrections and civilian personnel responsible for protecting more than 150,000 residents. The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2001 has been designated as a CALEA Gold Standard of Excellence agency since 2011. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit ccso.us.

Media Contact
Diane Richardson
301-609-6557
richardsond@ccso.us