HOUSTON -- Houston police have a new plan to stop copper theft, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurt said his department plans to fly helicopters over selected locations at night, increase patrol in key areas and crack down on buyers.

Police said they can use all their resources, but they need the public's help.

"The people involved in these thefts are the people that live in your neighborhood," Hurtt said. "They're your neighbors and we're going to need your help in raising your hand and letting us know who they are."

Copper thieves have been known to hit businesses and homes as well as churches in the Heights, Third and Fifth Ward areas and around Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Copper was stolen from two historic buildings in the Fifth Ward, the Hester House and Atherton Elementary, about two weeks ago.

Atherton Elementary's principal said the thefts hurt the students the most.

"It cost somebody money," Principal Alfred Lemon said. "HISD has replaced the units, but that money could have gone to the children who really need it."

Hurtt advised Fifth Ward residents to look out for suspicious shopping carts and garbage bins.

"If you see someone pushing a big garbage container and it's not pickup day, call us," he said. "What they will do is put a garbage bin in front of someone's house and then the officer thinks it's not suspicious. But you know when pickup day is and who lives in your neighborhood."

Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson of District B, said the community has to stand up for each other.

"The thieves are like animals," Johnson said. "Animals prey on fear. They think we're scared of them."

Mayor Bill White said copper thefts are costing the city millions of dollars. He said Houstonians will end up paying in high housing prices.