07-14-14 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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If the City of Lino Lakes does not increase its funding for additional police services, it is probable that highly motivated offenders will continue to choose to come to the City of Lino Lakes to commit crimes at an increasing rate. Development Another factor that may contribute to crime in Lino Lakes is the increase in development. Currently, there are three construction projects approved in Lino Lakes that will bring items that are frequently targeted by criminals, The Saddle Club development (55 homes), the development at 20th Ave and Cedar St. (222 single family homes and 85 multi -family units) and a park and ride at 21st Ave and Main St. Development increases the opportunity for thefts and burglaries. Opportunity Construction sites are prime targets for thieves looking for precious metals often used in the construction of new home or areas with high voltage lighting. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of insurance claims for metal theft filed in 2009-2011 increased 81% from claims filed from 2006-2008. Theft from construction sites is such a serious issue in Minnesota that federal legislation has been proposed to categorize the theft of metal from critical infrastructure as a federal crime'. Initial 2014 projections had the price of copper dropping during 2014 and 2015, but revised commodity forecasts have the demand for copper increasing slightly while supplies peaked in early 2013 and will flatten through 2014 and 2015. This could result in higher prices being paid for scrap copper, making it even more attractive to copper thieves8. In Lino Lakes, our most recent construction projects have been targeted and metals stolen. When 35E at Main Street was under construction, thieves targeted the construction staging area three times and stole over $12,000 in metal (ICRs 13060211, 13063740, and 1119646). When arrests were made in two of the three incidents, we learned that suspects stole over $6,000 worth of metal and sold it at a local recycling center for $1,095. When the Assisted Living Facility was building a new wing, their construction trailer was targeted and power tools and lights were stolen (ICR 14039176). Criminals are attracted to the area after construction is complete, but the buildings are still vacant. Suspects broke into a vacant home in Lino Lakes and stole copper pipe. While they only got away with 10 feet of pipe valued at $35.00 new, the repairs cost the homeowner $275 (ICR 12008234). Thieves repeatedly targeted a vacant business stealing between $5,000 and $10,000 worth of copper and other metal (ICR 13235136). Gottfried, Mara H,"Klobachar wants construction metals theft to be federal crime." Pioneer Press 1/16/2013 retrieved May 13, 2014 8 Obel, Mike "Copper Prices may be on the rise, in sharp contrast to other much duller commodities markets" International Business Times January 29, 2014 retrieved May 13, 2014