(Springfield, IL) — Copper thefts are on the rise in Springfield. From January through the end of May, the Springfield police have received eight calls about copper thefts. Five of those came after May 1st. The thefts come after a rise in the price of copper. In November, copper was trading at about two-25 a pound. Yesterday it was over two-50 a pound. Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Crime Stoppers.