Lancaster County sees uptick in copper wire thefts from center pivots

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Law enforcement is warning of a unique type of theft.

In the last week, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has received two reports of copper wire being stolen from center pivot irrigation systems.

On Wednesday, in one of those cases, $18,000 in losses was reported from the theft of wire from two pivots.

“What we’re finding out is farmers are getting ready for their harvest, and they’re checking on their pivots and they’re figuring out these thefts have occurred,” Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said.

This type of theft used to be common, but according to Houchin, this is the first time deputies have seen it in years.

The sudden uptick could have something to do with the rise in copper prices.

The Associated Press reported that they’ve gone up 30% this year.

Some owners of center pivot irrigation systems take extra pre-caution due to these types of instances occurring in the past.

Bill Landon owns a large piece of land, which requires the center pivot irrigation system that he’s had since 2013.

It’s programmed a certain way to protect people from harming or stealing anything from it.

If something or someone is moving it, he gets an alert straight to his phone.

“I can tell when they were making adjustments to it, if the wrenches were tapping on it, they would send a signal to me,” Landon said.

This type of protection is extremely helpful, according to authorities.

While Landon has never had any theft encounters with his pivot, he still knows the importance of protecting it and keeping alert at all times.

“It’s good having neighbors that can see what’s going on and reporting it to you, he said.”

The sheriff’s office is investigating the two most recent cases. But it can be difficult to investigate with the lack of evidence left at the scene.

Authorities advise that if you see anything suspicious or have any information, you should contact the sheriff’s office at 402-441-6500.