Task force to combat metal thefts in Augusta

Law enforcement agencies in eastern Georgia are taking on metal thefts, and the push comes as the thefts become an increasing problem across the state.

Law enforcement agencies and recycling companies in and around Augusta are forming a task force to catch metal thieves.

The collaboration comes as Augusta/Richmond County reports about 60 cases of metal thefts each month.

Thieves are stealing copper and other metals from just about anywhere they can find it.

"That's a lot of folks coming home finding their air conditioners broken and not working," says Lt. Tony Walden, head of the Richmond County sheriff's department's property crimes unit. "That's a lot of churches and businesses coming to work and finding no copper. Their air conditioners don't work."

The task force will coordinate communication among its members about suspects.

Officials say the metal theft problem is increasing across the state because the price of metal is skyrocketing.

Metro Atlanta formed its own task force last year.