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Fresno, County Move to Curb Copper-Wire Theft; Council OKs Local ordinance
Summary
The Fresno City Council voted unanimously to approve a local ordinance targeting possession of stripped commercial scrap metal, part of a coordinated city-county push to reduce copper-wire and other metal thefts that officials say have driven up repair costs and interrupted services.
Fresno City Councilors on Thursday approved a new local ordinance targeting the possession of stripped commercial scrap metal, a step council leaders say will help curb a recent rise in copper-wire thefts that damage infrastructure and local businesses.
The ordinance, which the County of Fresno adopted earlier in the week, creates criminal and administrative tools aimed at people found in possession of stripped copper and other commercial metals without a clear lawful purpose. Council members framed the measure as part of a joint, city-county strategy to deter theft and recover stolen material.
Supporters said the thefts have real costs for residents and businesses. “Copper wire theft is ruining our community, affecting medical care, and increasing the cost of business ownership,” Mayor Jerry Dyer read from a letter submitted by a local physician, citing an instance in which thieves removed HVAC coils from a medical office and left hundreds of patients sweltering while repairs were arranged.
Supervisor Gary Bredefeld, who joined the council for the vote, said the county and city worked together to tailor ordinances that focus on people transporting or possessing stripped commercial metal, rather than on recyclers covered under state law. “The criminals don’t pay attention to jurisdictional lines, so we need to work together,” Bredefeld told the council. He said law enforcement agencies including the sheriff’s ag‑crime unit supported the measure.
Council members also emphasized the financial toll on public infrastructure such as streetlights and telecommunications equipment, and promised coordinated enforcement. Council Vice President Miguel Arias said the change is intended to give police, prosecutors and code enforcement new options to seize stolen materials, issue fines and pursue criminal charges.
The ordinance was approved 6–0; the measure will return for final adoption in a subsequent meeting as required by local procedure. City staff and county attorneys said they designed the language to avoid conflict with state law and to make prosecutions more straightforward for local law enforcement.
Officials said they will monitor enforcement and coordinate with the District Attorney’s office. Council members requested follow-up to confirm how prosecutions will be handled across city and county jurisdictions and whether additional resources will be required for city or county prosecutors.
The council set the item for final adoption at a future meeting.
Ending: Councilors said they view the ordinance as the first of several collaborative steps with the county to address recurring thefts that damage infrastructure and raise costs for residents and businesses.
