Copper theft on the rise
Yuma police are currently investigating 10 reports of water control valves and copper pipes being taken from non-residential buildings. Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery, the Walmart in the Foothills, several businesses along 3E near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Yuma Catholic High School are just some of the locations targeted. The reports were made between November 5th and November 19th.
Authorities believe there may be more that have not been reported yet.
“They’re coming in with saws, they’re cutting it off and they’re taking it. These are areas around businesses that don’t have a cage surrounding and protecting it. We know that there is probably way more than 10 cases out there, but that’s just what’s been reported to us. Possible suspect vehicle that we have is a minivan. It’s kind of hard in the video to see what color it is and we’re not even really sure if that’s it, but that’s kinda the only thing we have to go on so far,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin with the Yuma Police Department.
YPD encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at 928-373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
