Calling for Increased Penalties for Copper Thieves

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By WSIL Manager

Story Created: Nov 16, 2011 at 3:07 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 16, 2011 at 3:07 PM CDT

WSIL - President Lincoln is the latest victim of a copper theft.

Police in Springfield, Illinois say someone stole a three foot copper sword from a statue at Lincoln's tomb.

David Blachette of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency says state leaders need to move forward with a bill that would make copper theft a felony.

"These thieves are costing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage for just a few hundred dollars worth of scrap. I think that right here, at Lincoln's tomb, that this just drives home the point that we need to get this bill passed sooner rather than later," says Blachette.

No arrests have been made, and the sword remains missing. The last time the sword was stolen was in the 1890's.

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