JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- JEA has begun making some changes in hopes of deterring crooks and saving lives after a recent copper theft created a dangerous situation.

The power lines that supply electricity to residents' homes became the scene of a missing-metal crime.
JEA spokeswoman Gerri Boyce said someone stole copper wiring from 10 of the power poles on Jones Road.
"This is a new one for us, and we're hoping it doesn't happen again," Boyce said.
According to a police report, the thief or thieves stole 40 feet of wiring. The damage done is worth about $360,000.
However, the missing metal and amount of damage done were not the most serious parts of the theft.
Police said it was an inspector who noticed the copper theft, and that inspector said the copper thieves likely did not realize the inherent danger of the crime.
The inspector told officers that if one of the high power lines were to short out and it was touched by an unaware person, the results would be great bodily harm or even death.
"Anytime you deal with electricity, you're really putting yourself at risk," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson. "What makes it so common, is that it's very easy to get rid of."
Officers said because copper theft is so common and so difficult to prosecute, businesses and homeowners should take action and protect their property.
That is exactly what JEA is doing.
Boyce said JEA was replacing its wiring with a material it hopes thieves won't want to steal.
"What it is is that it's copper, but it has other metals in it. It makes it less desirable, and it's not worth as much," Boyce said.