By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

NOTING the rising number of government agencies and private companies that are all falling victims to copper wire thieves, the administration has directed the Department of Public Safety to include solving these crimes among its top priorities.
Press Secretary Charles Reyes Jr. said he believes that the rampant copper wire thievery may have something to do with the enormous demand for the material in China.
“It has been ongoing because of the enormous demand from China…but with prices of commodities slowly going down lately, we’re also seeing a decline in copper wire thefts in the community,” he said.
“(Solving these crimes) is an important priority for DPS because it’s not only victimizing the community but the government and private companies as well,” he said.
Last week, DPS finally made two arrests involving four suspected copper wire thieves.
“The good news now is DPS has made some arrests and this is good because people will be aware of the consequences of their actions. If they know they can be caught, persecuted, and convicted for stealing copper wire then people will be more reluctant to engage in this activity,” Reyes said.
He added, “We ask that people continue to report to Crime Stoppers so that DPS can get leads and make the necessary arrests. Community support is very important in solving these copper wire cases.”
Reyes said although DPS lacks personnel, “we’re encouraging (the department) to increase its warning, enforcement and arrests.”