Copper Thieves Targeted, Reward Offered

Pastors, community leaders and state lawmakers today to offered a $1,000 reward for the capture of the copper thieves who have dismantled numerous heat/air units in northeast Oklahoma City.

The group offers the reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves, who have targeted churches in Oklahoma City.

"These thieves are creating thousands of dollars in damage to steal $100 worth of copper," said Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. "And to make things worse, they are targeting some of the most important institutions in our communities, our churches."

One church in northeast Oklahoma City has had four units dismantled three times by the thieves, according to a local pastor.

"It appears these criminals have some technical expertise andknow how to quickly dismantle a heat/air unit to steal the copper," said Rep. Anastasia Pittman, D-Oklahoma City. "We hope that information will help people in the community identify these criminals and turn them in to the police."

The group announced the $1,000 reward at a press conference at the Voice of Praise Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Community officials also endorsed legislation that will make iteasier for police to identify and track down copper thieves.

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