Authorities Seek Public Help After Copper Wire Theft in Waverly

Deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department responded to a reported burglary at a worksite in the 3400 block of Nortonville Road at approximately 4 a.m. on Dec. 25. Investigators say someone used bolt cutters to breach a perimeter fence and removed a spool of 8-gauge copper wire. No suspects have been publicly identified and the investigation remains active.

Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott and Cass Counties is formally requesting public assistance. Residents with information about this incident or any other crimes in the three-county area are asked to submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 217-243-7300. Tips that lead to an arrest could be eligible for a cash payout. Tips also may be submitted online at morganscottcrimestoppers.com or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) with the word payout as the first word of the text.

Copper wire thefts, even when they involve a single spool, can have outsized effects on local construction and maintenance projects. Stolen materials delay timelines, increase costs for contractors and taxpayers, and can force crews to leave sites unsecured while replacements are obtained. Theft from active worksites also creates safety risks for workers and the public when wiring or infrastructure is damaged or removed.

The incident highlights responsibilities shared by property owners, contractors, and residents. Securing worksites with robust locks, visible lighting, surveillance cameras, and inventory controls can reduce vulnerability to opportunistic thefts. Firms and homeowners should document serial numbers and distinctive markings on materials where feasible and report suspicious activity promptly to law enforcement.

For Morgan County residents, swift reporting can help investigators establish leads, preserve evidence, and prevent related incidents. Crime Stoppers’ anonymous reporting options provide a route for community members to share tips without revealing their identity, and the potential cash payout may encourage information from those with knowledge of the theft.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate. Anyone with information about the Dec. 25 theft on Nortonville Road or related activity in Morgan, Scott, or Cass counties is urged to call 217-243-7300, use the online tip form at morganscottcrimestoppers.com, or text 274637 (CRIMES) beginning the message with payout.