WIRE SCRAPPERS: Trooper Lemmon catches SDI thieves

February 19, 2013

WHITLEY COUNTY — Two men were arrested for stealing from Steel Dynamics Incorporated after an investigation by Indiana State Police Trooper Joel Lemmon.

Christopher Sines and Daniel Yarnell were booked in the Whitley County Jail after they were caught with stolen copper wiring.

Lemmon pulled over the pair at the intersection of Butt and Washington Center Roads, and found SDI’s copper wire, along with marijuana. Lemmon said the investigation is ongoing.

Both men are from Ohio and are currently charged with receiving stolen property.

Copper wire is currently being scrapped for more than $2 per pound.
The Indiana State Police has labeled copper wire as a valuable metal, and said it is very susceptible to theft.

The ISP website warns citizens of several items that are typical for “scrappers” to steal, including:

• Copper from air conditioners (e.g., coils).
• Catalytic converters from cars (for platinum, palladium and rhodium)
• Farm irrigation equipment
• Electrical wiring
• Yard/house ornaments
• Historical markers, plaques and cemetery vases
• Telecommunication wiring
• Aluminum siding/gutters
• Transformer wiring
• Rail telecommunications equipment and wire; power and signal equipment and wires; road/rail crossing signals; metal property being transported by a railroad; switching components; railroad track; spikes, angle bars, tie plates or bolts used in the construction of railroads
• Any product made of metal that readily may be resold.