Copper is the Hottest Metal Around

Copper thefts have been on the increase across the region recently.

High demand for the metal, especially overseas, has driven the price up making it attractive to thieves.

Last week, someone used bolt cutters to cut electrical cables on several amusement rides at the annual Rochester Fair.

Several weeks ago, police in Portsmouth charged two local residents with stealing copper from a city nursing home construction site.

In Maine, thieves have been hitting electric utility substations.

And State regulators there worry that the thefts may pose a threat to public safety.

Maine Public Radio's Keith Shortall reports from Portland.