Copper stolen from Cosmo, Stephens Lake Park and L.A. Nickell Golf Course, report says

Copper thefts were reported in April at Cosmo Park, Stephens Lake Park and L.A. Nickell Golf Course, according to a monthly report from the Columbia Parks and Rec Department.

The report said copper was stolen from a golf cart shed at L.A. Nickell Golf Course. It also said overnight patrols were done by park rangers at Cosmo Park in response to the thefts.

A manager at L.A. Nickell Golf course told ABC 17 News that thieves got into a cart shed area and took some wires from the electrical box to the gas tank and part of the gas pump. He said it put the course out of service for a few days since they had no access to the gas pump.

Columbia Police said they responded to three different copper thefts over the past few months. On March 28, they were dispatched to Cosmo Park and an investigation revealed copper wire had been stolen from three of the park’s shelters. All three incidents are believed to have occurred over the weekend of March 25.

Police also responded to L.A. Nickell Golf Course on April 21 for reports of a copper theft. Additionally, they were dispatched to Stephen’s Lake Park on May 3. An investigation revealed copper wire had been stolen from two of the park’s shelters, as well as the pump house.

According to the report, Columbia Parks and Rec contracted a security service to patrol both Cosmo and Stephens Lake Park due to the copper thefts. The report said patrols began in both parks on April 18.

ABC 17 News has reached out Columbia Parks and Rec more information. We will have a full report in our 6:00 p.m. newscast Wednesday.