Copper thieves hit Joplin homes amid rebuilding

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Some Joplin residents lost their homes in the May 22 tornado are facing a new headache as they rebuild -- copper thieves.

Joplin police tell KOAM-TV they fielded 11 reports of copper theft in September and 10 last month. Police say wiring is the main target, although thieves have also made off with building material.

Jim Setser said that someone entered the home he's rebuilding Monday night and took a large amount of electrical copper wiring. He expects to spend about $2,000 to replace the wiring.

Setser lives in the heart of the damaged area and said being victimized twice is a "horrible feeling."