Williamson County, IL – Southern Illinois has been hit by a wave of copper wire thefts across multiple counties, leaving utility companies and residents affected. Thieves have targeted utility poles, cutting them down to steal valuable copper wire, causing service disruptions and extensive damage.
In response, the Williamson and Johnson County Sheriff’s Offices launched a joint investigation. They intensified patrols and employed advanced technology, including GPS tracking. These efforts led to the recent arrest of two suspects, Loran Robison and Rusty Leeper, allegedly caught stealing 800 feet of wire near Wolf Creek Road on October 4.
According to authorities, copper thefts have been on the rise throughout the region, including neighboring counties. Damages are estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information on the thefts is encouraged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618.997.6541 or submit an anonymous tip via the Sheriff’s Office app, available for both Apple and Android devices. Law enforcement officials continue to monitor the situation and are working to prevent further thefts across the region.
