Copper thefts rampant, police say

Associated Press

State lawmakers are considering a bill to require all recyclers keep a log of who sells them copper and other metals.

The rising price for copper is leading thieves to break into air conditioners at homes and businesses to get the copper coil. The coils are then sold for $3 to $4 a pound.

Police in Oklahoma City say in one month alone more than 100 air conditioners were broken into and the cost of repairs runs into the thousands of dollars.

Oklahoma City police Sergeant Marty Stupka says the current record-keeping by recyclers is "horrendous."