Copper Thefts Coming Back To Las Vegas Valley

From Channel 8 Las Vegas: Metro says copper crimes have accounted for millions of lost dollars the last several years but believe they've made headway on fighting the problem after a huge undercover bust at a man's home Wednesday afternoon.
After watching a home for weeks near US 95 and Jones Blvd., swat officers surrounded the house and took the suspect into custody. Metro calls it the result of really good police work. Armed in full gear, metro swat officers put on their game faces.
"They looked like they were ready for business," said Ria Billings, who lives nearby.
After surrounding the home, they take their suspect into custody. Neighbors identify him as Larry Chappel.
http://www.8newsnow.com/story/15037068/las-vegas-police-made-arrest-in-copper-theft-case
A few years ago, copper theft was huge in the Valley. Thieves would steal copper wiring from homes, stores, a Salvation Army thrift store, copper wiring from highway lights and more. Then the wire prices went down and the thefts pretty much stopped. But now, with a poor economy and rising copper prices, the thefts are rising. If Metro thinks this bust will slow down copper theft, they are either highly optimistic or stupid.
This crime is happening all over the country. To stop copper theft, the cops have to go after the buyer, like junk and salvage yards. Get rid of the money and the thefts will stop, for the most part.
In the end, this was a good bust but it will do little to stop copper thefts.