City: Recent Copper Thefts Cost $45,000
materials being stolen from the city's public safety complex
By Jeff Cohen - WNPR
Published: Dec 22, 2011
Hartford's public safety complex is under construction, and thieves have stripped it of copper at least five times since May. As WNPR's Jeff Cohen reports, the city now says the latest thefts costs at least $45,000.
The city of Hartford is building a new, $77 million public safety complex to help protect its residents. When it opens in 2012, the complex will be the new home of Hartford's police, fire, and emergency communications divisions. But so far, it's been an open invitation for thieves.
Earlier this month, police said they arrested a man for stealing copper pipe and brass fixtures in late November. Allen Matthew Hall-Davis was charged with two counts of larceny and some drug-related charges. It's the third arrest in thefts from the complex in six months.
Original estimates to fix the damage from the November thefts were less than $25,000. But now, according to documents released by the city, it looks like the cost exceeds $45,000. Much of that is in labor.
According to city documents and police reports, that brings the total damages to around $100,000 -- including copper thefts as far back as May.
For WNPR, I'm Jeff Cohen.
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So, why is it so hard to
So, why is it so hard to figure out ahead of time that a construction site of this size is bound to attract crackheads looking for copper? Ever hear of SECURITY? SURVEILLANCE? POLICE PATROLS? But, oh that's right, this is Hartford, the "rising star of the east!" Bunch of geniuses at the helm.
The taxpayer has to look at
The taxpayer has to look at it this way: Sure, $100,000 is a lot of money, but as a portion of the total bill of $77,000,000 it's a pittance. And, as the President has often reminded/ us, what is a "stimulus" if not spending? It looks a if the thieves created about two good construction job years.
Copper Theft
Umm, isn't any theft or damage done while under construction and under supervision of the contractor covered by the contractor's bonds??? The city does not take possession of the building until it is completed and there is a certificate of occupancy in place...
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