Another Solar Farm Targeted In Series Of Copper Thefts

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A third copper theft has been reported at a Johnston County solar farm, bringing the value of stolen materials in three recent cases to more than $50,000.

The latest theft was reported June 13 at a solar facility on White Memorial Church Road in the Willow Spring community.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, representatives of the solar farm told deputies someone cut a hole in a rear perimeter fence between June 11 and June 13 and entered the property. Approximately $8,800 worth of copper wire was reported stolen.

Damage to the fence was estimated at $750.

The incident follows two other copper thefts reported June 8 at solar farm sites elsewhere in Johnston County.

In one case, approximately $39,480 worth of copper was reported stolen from a solar farm under construction on Buffalo Road north of Selma. Investigators said seven reels of copper were taken from the site.

A second theft was reported at a solar facility on Guy Road near Clayton. Authorities said someone cut a fence to gain access to the property sometime between June 7 and June 8 and stole approximately $2,500 worth of copper.

Combined, the three thefts account for nearly $51,000 in stolen copper, not including property damage.

Investigators have not said whether the incidents are connected.

Copper theft has long been a problem for utility companies, construction projects and industrial sites because of the metal’s high resale value.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the thefts. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office.