Birmingham Water Works investigation finds employees stole, resold copper from warehouse

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham Police are investigating the theft of Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) copper and copper-related property by BWWB employees. A BWWB internal investigation found evidence a group of employees worked together to bypass utility security protocols and may have resold the copper for their own profit.

A source tells WBRC the value of the copper could be close to $2 million, though the investigation is ongoing and Birmingham Police will only confirm they have launched a criminal investigation.

“The executive team of the Birmingham Water Works (BWW) investigated allegations of theft within the system’s warehouse,” Birmingham Water Works General Manager Mac Underwood said in a statement to WBRC. “We reported the issue to law enforcement and will continue to work with authorities as the investigation moves forward. The initial internal investigation identified team members who colluded as a group to bypass existing internal supply verification and documentation processes for financial benefit. These actions were unauthorized, ignored established protocols and resulted in the theft of the BWW’s property.

“The BWW’s executive team will recommend that the Board authorize an independent review of warehouse operations to improve security and keep incidents like this from happening in the future. Our management team is committed to honesty, integrity and accountability, and these are values we expect our employees, consultants and contractors to uphold. Those who violate these principles and the trust of our customers will be held accountable.”

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