Copper-wire theft is now a felony

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Ripping off $50-worth of copper wire to sell as scrap metal could cost criminals a large fine and even jail time under a proposal in Santa Fe.

The Senate Public Affairs Committee passed a bill that would make it a felony crime to intentionally vandalize, destroy or remove any property of value from an energy-production facility like an oil well or utility plant.

If the damaged property values $2,500 or less, it's a fourth-degree felony. Anything over $20,000 is considered a second-degree felony.