Copper thefts are on the rise in Lincoln – and they could become deadly

There’s been an uptick in copper thefts from Lincoln homes and businesses in recent months. 

Lincoln Police released video Thursday of a man stealing over 400 feet of copper pipe from a west Haymarket construction site.

LPD says 78 burglaries involving copper pipe and wire have been reported since August of 2017, resulting in over $130,000 in loss and damages.

While often times the theft is the end of things, in some cases, the damage left behind can have deadly consequences. 

Two separate natural gas explosions in Ohio in June, which authorities say were caused by scrappers searching for copper in homes, resulted in one person being killed and several others critically injured. 

"At any time, if you improperly remove the piping, the house or the business can fill up with gas causing a hazardous situation," said Black Hills Energy Director of Gas Operations Kevin Jarosz. 

Jarosz says the company has responded to several gas leaks caused by copper thieves in Lincoln. 

Fortunately, he says the circumstances have to be just right in order for explosions like the ones in Ohio to occur. 

"It’s not different than if you use a torch and you have oxygen and acetylene," Jarosz said. "To get the flame, you have to have the right oxygen and gas to create a lower explosive limit."

Jarosz says there are ways for homeowners to help prevent catastrophe. 

He says asking friends or neighbors to watch vacant properties for trespassers is a good option. 

You can also have Black Hills shut off gas to a property, and then have them turn it back on when you’re ready to use the home. 

Officials says anytime you smell the rotten eggs smell that’s put into natural gas, you should contact Black Hills and other authorities.