Thief cuts fences, steals copper

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -  

Fences didn't stop a thief from stealing $5,000 worth of copper in Mobile County. Deputies said the suspect cut fences at two businesses to accomplish the mission.

A manager at American Environmental Company contacted the Mobile County Sheriff's Office after noticing the chain link fence had been cut on Monday, September 10. The manager told investigators someone entered their property, but nothing was stolen.

Investigators looking at the company's security video noticed a suspect walk through the property and into a neighboring business. Deputies contacted the business, SC Stagner Contracting.

SC Stagner found their fence had also been cut, and someone had forcibly entered trailers and shipping containers. The suspect(s) removed rolls of copper wire tubing and welding leads.

It’s not the first time the business has been hit. SC Stagner’s Superintendent Mike Smith said they’ve been hit four or five times in the last two years.

“It’s a pretty good bit with how the economy is now. There’s not a lot of work so it puts us behind every time they do it,” said Smith.

To prevent future theft, the company has installed surveillance cameras and an alarm system. They have also created new locks and latches for their shipping containers and trailers.

The stolen copper is valued at $4,865.

Anyone with information on the theft should call the Mobile County Sheriff's Office at 251-574-8633.