Copper thieves targeting oil derrick sites, McClain County Undersheriff says

MCCLAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — The McClain County Undersheriff said oil derrick sites have been hit by copper thieves.

"We've had oil sites, with the copper stolen, come in and replace it and the next night they'll get hit again," said Undersheriff James Goins.

Goins said over the past two months, deputies have been taking report after report of stolen copper from oil sites.

"We have averaged at least one report every five to 10 days," said Goins.

The county has 3,500 rig sites across 580 square miles. They're using a lot of man power to check out as many as possible at night.

Goins said the suspect's MO appears to be the same. Thieves scout out the area, then launch their attack after the sun goes down. Then they cut off the electricity.

"They'll cut it off from the breaker box, cut the wire there then go to the site itself," said Goins. "And either hook on with a truck or whatever they've got to pull that line out. Some of it's pretty long, some of it's about 4-500 feet of copper wire."

These sites are in rural areas. If there are cameras, Undersheriff Goins said they are not that helpful.

So, if you see suspicious vehicles, with no company logos, random cars, or even four-wheelers at at an oil field, call it in.

Goins said this could be a case of several groups all looking for copper and a quick buck.

"I'd say it'd be rough for one person to do it," said Goins.