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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend January 13, 2007 Copper-stripping suspect arrested Men allegedly plundered from AC units to get money for drugs By Paris Achen Mail Tribune Medford police have nabbed one of three suspects allegedly involved in stripping valuable copper from air-conditioning units at Grace Christian School, First Baptist Church and at least four businesses and selling the scrap metal to purchase drugs. Warren Richard Smith, 40, of Medford, was arrested Thursday on charges of eight counts of first-degree theft, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief and a parole violation for marijuana possession in 2005. Causing damage well beyond the value of the copper, the practice of plundering equipment such as air-conditioning units for fast cash has become a trend in drug communities, said Medford Police Detective Tony Young. "It's instant gratification," Young said. "If they want money for a habit or living expenses, they can get a check or cash instantly." Smith and another suspect stripped nine air-conditioning units at Grace Christian School at Crater Lake Avenue and the adjoining First Baptist Church either on Christmas or Christmas Eve, police said. Advertisement The pair also plundered units at JJ North's Grand Buffet at North Riverside Avenue, Jan's Tan and Jitterbugz Inc. at Medford Center and the old Kim's restaurant at South Pacific Highway. Police said they were able to make the arrest through the help of two White City scrap yards, C & R Salvage Inc. and Schnitzer Steel, where the stolen materials were sold. Police continue to investigate the other suspect believed to have helped Smith commit the thefts and another suspect allegedly involved in selling the materials to scrap yards. No arrests have been made in the other two cases. While the copper stripped from the school and church is valued at about $1,000, the damage to the units is estimated at $40,000 to $60,000, Young said. Officials with the nonprofit Grace Christian school system said they hope their insurance policy will cover the damage, as they do not have the funds to repair or replace the units before hot weather is due. "Hopefully, we'll be able to repair or replace the units before the summer," said Grace Christian facilities director Don Binkley. "Otherwise, we're going to have some hot kids." Stripping air-conditioning units requires a certain degree of skill, but the units are generally accessible on the exterior of buildings or on rooftops, Young said. If done improperly, a thief can be electrocuted, he said. Medford police and Jackson County sheriff's deputies are slated to receive training to investigate such scrap metal crimes. Some lawmakers are also looking at ways to better track scrap metal. Smith's criminal history in Jackson County also includes convictions for second-degree assault in 2000 and first-degree theft in 2004. Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com