Thieves are increasingly raiding solar power stations across Japan for copper transmission wiring as prices for the metal have surged globally. Local governments are planning ordinances to regulate trade in the metal, but they are seeking nationwide legal measures to discourage the thefts. One solar power farm in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, was hit by copper thieves three times in April alone, suffering an estimated loss of 33 million yen ($213,000). Police said the perpetrators severed cables extending a total of 10 kilometers, discarded the sheaths and absconded with only the copper wires. The solar plant generates ... (full story)