KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Copper thefts in Jackson County have reached alarming levels, with cases referred to prosecutors skyrocketing from just one in 2021 to more than three dozen this year.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said copper thefts are at their highest levels ever, with a 3,000% increase from 2018 to 2025.

Missouri ranks second in copper thefts, according to AT&T, with Kansas City ranking 11th and St. Louis ranking fifth.

“We’re talking about it, we’re raising awareness, we’re working collaboratively with law enforcement. And yes, we are charging these cases at a very, very high level,” Johnson said.

Rainbow School in Waldo experienced the impact firsthand when thieves targeted their copper gutters multiple times last August. Building manager Deena Smith said the

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