'Tweekers' Steal Copper Using Government Aid Cell Phones, Santee Mayor Says

Also read: Mayor Sweeps River Bottom, Finds at Least 15 'Tweaker Tents

Santee Mayor Randy Voepel is fed up with copper thefts and vandalism at city parks, he wrote in an email to Santee Patch, citing a recent incident at Town Center Park that cost the city at least $2,000.

He puts some blame for the problem on cell phones that are given to homeless in order to find a job. He said the phones allow them to team up for metal thefts and use "lookouts" to avoid being caught.

The article "How Cell Phones Throw the Homeless a Lifeline," on Mobiledia.com, outlines how cell phones keep the homeless tied to society:

"The homeless and smartphones seem like an odd combination, but mobile devices are far from being a tool for recreation or a status symbol. They let them to come out of the shadows, drawing attention to their plight and securing valuable services."

Here's the Mayor's message about the thefts and vandalism:

Happy New Year,

We at the City are getting very frustrated at the Copper thefts in Town center Park. 

I believe most of the thefts are done by the "Meth heads" desperately trying to get the next fix. This is a perfect example of how such a little return for the thief can do so much damage to the City.

One of the problems we have is that most of the homeless have cell phones and they work in teams, with the "cutters" being watched over by the lookouts. These people are very difficult for our Sheriffs to catch, because of the darn cell phones.

Oh, California and the Federal Government gives these cell phones to the homeless, supposedly so they can get jobs.

Well we will persevere, as we usually catch the Copper thieves sooner or latter, they aren't THAT smart.

Randy Voepel, Fed up with Tweekers.....2013

Mayor, City of Santee

Also read Santee Crime: $24,000 Cell Phone Burglary; $10,000 in Metal Thefts