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FRANKFORT - Advocates of a measure that takes aim at theft of copper and other valuable metals will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, in support of legislation that would prevent criminals from receiving fast cash for stolen metals.

The news conference will be held in the Kentucky House of Representatives chamber, which is located on the third floor of the State Capitol.

"The theft of wiring and pipes from homes, businesses and utilities causes enormous economic losses, power outages, phone and electrical service disruptions and can pose life-threatening threats of electrocution and other hazards," said Rep. Tanya Pullin. "All the stakeholders concerned with these thefts have come together to create the approach taken by House Bill 390."

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the damage from a theft of $100 in copper wire can cost a utility more than $5,000 to repair. Metal theft costs businesses nationwide an estimated $1 billion each year.