COPPER WIRING

Mining of copper has long been a lucrative business. But now, the value of copper is such that “sripping” copper from wiring has become a popular practice for criminals.

On Friday, the Westminster Police Department arrested a suspect who – according to police – was actively engaged in the act as police arrived at the scene of the crime.

Commander Andy Stowers of the WPD reported that at around 2:30 p.m., officers responded to the area of 10th Street and Beach Boulevard in reference to a call about “suspicious subjects” in the area stripping copper wiring.

Several subjects were detained, including Richard Stubbe, 44, of Stanton, who was – according to Stowers – caught doing the stripping of wire.

During the detention, nearly two ounces of methamphetmine was located “in relation to Stubbe.” Police also found almost 900 pounds of stripped copper wiring in a vehicle.

He was arrested for possession of stolen property and possession of narcotics with the intent to sell, and was also charged with violation of probation.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact Detective Foland at (714) 548-3761 or the WPD Watch Commander at (714) 548-3767.