SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake City Police Dept. is warning residents about metal thefts, something they say has become a real problem in recent months.
In his Chief’s Message, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank released a video this week warning residents about the increase in thefts.
Officers say stealing metal has become a chronic public safety problem in Salt Lake City. The price of metal has gone up, causing a rise in these types of thefts.
Police say it can happen almost anywhere, from industrial and commercial areas to city parks and streets.
“One thing to be aware of that we’re seeing a trend now is that a lot of these guys stealing the metal are now trying to make themselves look like they fit into the environment by wearing construction vests or hard hats,” said Robert Ungricht, Salt Lake City Police Dept.
The most common stolen items include catalytic converters from vehicles, which contain platinum.
