JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Copper wire theft is an issue that the Jackson Police Department (JPD) is working to combat.

Copper thieves have targeted resources that could affect day-to-day lives in the capital city. Jackson police said the thieves break into buildings to steal the copper and strip copper from cell towers and utility poles.

Investigators said they’re making arrests year-round from individuals to busting up illegal businesses across the city that help melt and sell copper.

“Copper in a large quantity can give you a decent amount of money, but you had to pull out heavy metal. The copper man is part of the problem, because he’s not a legitimate business. He will operate out of a community in the City of Jackson. You can’t operate a business of that nature within a community. So, what he’s doing is, first of all, is illegal,” said Investigator Michael Pugh.

JPD has an online system that monitors local pawn shops and scrap yards within Hinds County to stay ahead of the copper thieves.