Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Detective Sergeant Arthur Brillon Telephone: 774-203-1881
Date: March 19, 2014
Attleboro Police Chief Kyle Heagney has announced a new program in which the Attleboro Police Department is working closely with Schnitzer Steel-Attleboro and local real estate agents. The goal of the program is to reduce property crime and better help realtors protect property under their control.
The program is the result of discussions between approximately 30 local realtors, Schnitzer Steel-Attleboro and the Attleboro Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing (P.O.P.) Unit. A meeting was held at the Attleboro Public Library to share ideas and formulate the program.
Attleboro Police Sergeant Timothy Cook who heads up the P.O.P. Unit said that all participants were excited that this program would reduce the number of copper thefts from vacant buildings that is occurring in Attleboro.
As part of the program, realtors responsible for or in charge of vacant property will mark exposed copper piping with fluorescent paint which will make it readily identifiable as potentially stolen property.
Sergeant Cook reported that this has been an effective investigative tool in other communities who saw a significant reduction in stolen copper. It is anticipated that this will be effective in Attleboro as well.
Schnitzer Steel-Attleboro has been an active and willing participant in this program and will encourage participation by its counterparts in the Attleboro area.
Since the program was introduced, several local police agencies including the North Attleboro Police Department, have taken an interest in participating in the program and hope for similar success.
