BY JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police are investigating two copper thefts after the former Atrium Hotel & Conference Center was burgled Jan. 30, 2023 and the new firehouse on N. Main St. was burgled on Jan. 31, 2023.
HPD Lt. Dustin Loepp said the theft at the Atrium was reported at 2:51 p.m. on Jan. 30, and involved copper being cut out from the former hotel.
The theft at the new firehouse was reported at 10:50 a.m. the next day and new copper fittings amongst other things were stolen.
“We commonly receive reports of stolen copper,” Lt. Loepp said. “The latest ones that come to mind don’t necessarily appear connected but we are investigating them.”
According to Lt. Loepp, the number of copper thefts are not as numerous as they once were, and it usually depends on the current scrap price of copper.
Copper is often sold to scrap yards and its physical properties are often changed by cutting it into small pieces, burning jacketing off insulated wire, or being melted down.
“We have good working relationships with local metal recycler businesses and also have access to databases to help with tracking,” Lt. Loepp said.
The national average price for copper is $3 a pound.
Other items that are or contain precious metals are also high theft items, such as catalytic converters from vehicles for the material located inside of them.
To prevent theft, Lt. Loepp recommends people keep the items secured or locked up as good as possible. Alarm systems and camera systems are also great deterrents.
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