Thieves make off with copper wire from Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care project

Work had recently resumed on the new rehabilitation facility for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) on Al Tahoe Blvd. Thieves stopped by last week and helped themselves to several hundred feed of copper line from the South Lake Tahoe project.

A contractor was connecting the sewer line to the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) connection at Pioneer Village 900 fee away. In order to locate water, electrical and sewer lines in the future, contractors now bury a copper wire just above the line making the task easier should it be needed.

"Someone decided that they need the supplies for our sewer connection more than we did," said Tom Millham, Secretary for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc. "We, as an organization, find it very disturbing that such a negative action would occur as we attempt to make a positive impact in our community."

After the initial 200 feet had been placed with the copper line, the remainder of the coil was left above ground for work the next day, as the contractor does about 200 feet per day. That night, someone cut the line and took the remainder of the spool.

LTWC is entering their 40th year of taking care of the wild birds and mammals to ‘Give Mother Nature a Helping Hand.’

Milham said they will take precautions going forward to prevent such acts in the future.

"If you are the person – or persons – who felt you needed this partial spool of copper for the few dollars you might receive from this theft, more than our attempt to construct this new Rehabilitation Center, I hope you now realize the damage you have caused us," Milham said in a message to the thieves.

Framing, security fencing and asphalt work is still ahead for the non-profit who houses bears, beavers, eagles, racoons and whatever other animals are in need of help to survive. The new Al Tahoe project will be home to these animals.

"We still need funding, so, if you are interested in assisting, please contact us at info@ltwc.org," said Milham.