Detectives working leads on copper thefts from homes

Staff report

Austintown

Detectives are working several leads on nearly two-dozen copper thefts from homes in the township.

Capt. Bryan Kloss said since Aug. 25, a total of 22 copper thefts were reported, six just this past weekend.

“We had a few before that, but then they really started hitting us hard,” he said.

Kloss said detectives are following up on several leads, and he said it’s possible the thefts are connected.

“We don’t know if it’s one person or a group of people,” he said. “There is a good possibility they could be connected, but right now we don’t know.”

Those responsible are targeting vacant homes, ones with for-sale signs or high grass, Kloss said.

Recent break-ins have occurred on Notre Dame Avenue, Burkey and Lake roads and Norquest and Placid boulevards.

He said officers patrolling those areas haven’t come across anyone suspicious or out of place, and neighbors said they haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.

“We encourage neighbors to give us a call if they see or hear anything strange,” Kloss said. “Even if they can’t pinpoint what it is, if they hear anything at all, call.”