05-04-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Development Another factor that may contribute to crime in Lino Lakes is the increase in development. Currently, there are two construction projects approved in Lino Lakes that will bring items that are frequently targeted by criminals, The Saddle Club development (55 homes), and the development at 20th Ave and Cedar St. (222 single family homes and 85 multi -family units). 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 crimes. The price for scrap copper has increased 60% from February 2015 through March 20156. Copper was the only scrap metal that increased in price during this time. The resulting high prices make copper and increasingly attractive target for thieves. Since breaking ground in December of 2014, the construction sites near 20th and Cedar Street have been a frequent target of thieves with over $25,027 worth of equipment reported stolen and $700 worth of equipment damaged.' Other construction projects have been targeted in the past. 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). Population Growth With increased residential development, the population of Lino Lakes will rise. From 2000-2013 Lino Lakes experienced a 42% increase in population, the largest in Anoka County. The S Gottfried, Mara H,"Klobachar wants construction metals theft to be federal crime." Pioneer Press 1/16/2013 retrieved May 13, 2014 6 Scrap Register.com retrieved 4/6/2015 ICRS 15043852, 15034302, 14280340,14274393, and 14264698.