Local officials are trying a number of tactics to slow down the record pace of copper thefts in and around Springfield.
A task force working on the problems has used sting operations and surveillance to identify dozens of suspects. And during the month of July, Crimestoppers is increasing its reward for tips that lead to the arrest of copper thieves, up to $500.
Police say without help from the public, it can be very difficult to trace stolen copper back to its source, making it tough to make charges stick unless police catch someone in the act.
