Alpharetta, Milton Battle Metal Thefts

Alpharetta and Milton take part in the Copperhead Metal Task Force to share information and combat metal thefts.

Capt. John Huey of Milton’s Criminal Investigations Division said the city dedicates officers to attend task force information sharing meetings to know what the trends are in the area.

"I attend the meetings of the Southeastern Metal Task Force, a similar, more regional group, and others like a burglary task force in Atlanta. This more localized task force should help identify some efforts that are more effective in combating this crime," Huey said.

"Historically as more people are out of work during down economic times, law enforcement sees a marked increase in property crimes," said George Gordon, public information officer for the Alpharetta Public Safety Department. "One particular crime is the theft of precious metals. Precious metals by their very nature contain content of value."

Alpharetta hasn't had a large increase in precious metal thefts, Gordon said. The city has used proactive strategies to deter criminals.

"Like other cities in the metro area, Milton has seen its share of copper and other precious metal theft. Birmingham Falls Elementary was hit during its construction. Occasionally we’ll have a cell phone tower hit for its metals. Mostly what we see is residential thefts at vacant houses," Huey said.

Alpharetta Public Safety Director Gary George said his department "will aggressively pursue those criminals that attempt to prey on innocent citizens. It is a criminal offense and no one has the right to take the personal property of another person."

"For the victims, this is mostly a financial burden. They have to replace the items that contained the metals, plus pay for any damage caused by the missing parts," Huey said.

You can provide anonymous tips through the Atlanta Crime Stoppers Program by calling 404-577-8477, texting "CSA Tip" to 274637, or submitting a tip online at crimestoppersatlanta.org.

Copperhead Metal Task Force participating agencies currently include:

• Alpharetta Police Department
• Atlanta Police Department
• Austell Police Department
• Canton Police Department
• Chamblee Police Department
• Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
• Cobb County Sheriff's Office
• Cobb County School Police
• Dekalb County Police Department
• Doraville Police Department
• Dunwoody Police Department
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation
• Holly Springs Police Department
• Jasper Police Department
• Johns Creek Police Department
• Kennesaw Police Department
• MCS Organized Crime Unit
• Milton Police Department
• Paulding County Sheriff's Office
• Powder Springs Police Department
• Roswell Police Department
• Sandy Springs Police Department
• Smyrna Police Department
• Woodstock Police Department