Copper Metal Task Force Formed By Local Law Enforcement

Augusta, GA—It’s a hot item, these days…scrap metal. People line up to sell what they can, hoping to make a buck, but some of that scrap really is hot, as in, stolen. In Richmond County alone, investigators say they see at least 60 cases a month. That’s why law enforcement in the two-state has teamed up.

Lt. Tony Walden, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “We have the majority of recycling centers, so our contact with Columbia County, Aiken County, is usually about property crimes being brought across state lines, or another jurisdictions, and brought to recycling places in Richmond County, so it’s important that we have a point of contact.“

The CSRA Copper Metal Task Force includes eleven local law enforcement agencies, and some recycling centers. Lt. Walden says metal thefts in Richmond County, alone, grew so fast that the Sheriff’s Office appointed an investigator just to cover these crimes.

Lt. Walden: “The export of metal, whether it be ferrous metals, or not, any type metal to export overseas, the demand is very high, so if the demand is high, the price is high. And, the crooks know that.“

In June, authorities say a U-Haul with thousands of dollars in stolen copper was found behind a store in south Augusta. In July, Charles Maxwell Tyler was charged with murder. Investigators say he shot a security guard while trying to steal copper from CMC Recycling. Lt. Walden says it’s growing cases like these that are causing investigators to work together.

Lt. Walden: “We have established points of contact for each department, and the managers have been identified as a point of contact for each recycling place.“

Investigators say they want recycling centers, who are part of the task force, to look at different ways they buy scrap metal from customers.

The task force will meet at least once a month to compare notes, and find solutions.