[BC] Big copper theft in IA

[bbowers at mozarks.com]

As long as we expect someone - in this case the police to do everything for us, then we are going 
to be disappointed with the outcome.

We had a breakin to one of our sites in Missouri.  They took the halo.  I installed an alarm 
system the next day.  That weekend the alarm went off, the thief was found around back standing on 
an AC unit with a sledge hammer trying to take it apart.  He had already cut the generator wiring 
inside, and was moving for whatever else he could find.  He resisted arrest, got lit up with the 
taser, and was taken into custody.  

Turns out he had also broken into the public radio station next door, and had their AC unit in 
parts in his van.  

I, and a friend that is also involved in my site got involved.  Talked to the prosecutor.  Talked 
to the deputies.  Showed up in court.  Testified in court.  The guy got 7 years hard time.  Thats 
7 years without the possibility of parole or probation.  Most time anyone had ever gotten for 
copper theft like that in Missouri in anyones memory.  All because we did not leave it to the law 
enforcement system or the judicial system - we got involved.  

Funny thing?  That public radio station next door?  No AC, they were even down for a while if I 
remember - never did a thing.  Not even a phone call or email to the prosecutor.  Ignored phone 
calls and emails asking if they were wanting to prosecute.  

http://www.agl-mag.com/newsletter/May_15_Aggressive.htm

(article got the years wrong)  

The system worked great for us.  Lots of other success stories at other sites also, but none as 
sweet as this one.

And speeding tickets.  Having been the recepient of more than my share, and also having been on 
the scene of way too many auto wrecks where speed was either a contributing factor or the cause I 
have no problem with speed enforcement done in a legal manner.  

Lots of bitter folks around.  Sometimes it is better to look inward than outward as to lifes 
issues.