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July 10, 2008

Suspects detained in $100,000 copper theft

By Patrick McCreless

BREMEN — By Patrick McCreless

PATRICKM@CULLMANTIMES.COM



Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies are questioning two suspects and searching for a third allegedly involved in the recent theft of $100,000 worth of copper from a local gravel quarry.

According to sheriff’s reports, the copper was stolen from the quarry, located in the Bremen area, over the past two weeks.

“It was spools of copper and then wire from machines,” said Lt. Brett Holmes of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.

Also taken from the quarry was a Compaq computer hard drive worth $1,700 and a flat screen monitor worth $300.

Holmes said the investigation led deputies to a residence in Etowah County where they found items consistent to those taken from the quarry.

“We found people of interest there probably involved in the crime,” Holmes said. “At this point in the investigation, we aren’t sure how they gained knowledge of this (Bremen quarry) location.”

The names of the suspects were not released since investigators have not officially charged them with any crime.

Along with the items at the residence, Holmes said a significant amount of copper supposedly taken from the quarry was discovered at an Etowah County salvage yard.

“We’re trying to get it identified now,” he said.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the state have encountered a surge in copper thefts over the last several years due to the rising cost of the metal. Holmes said the current rate for copper in the area is over $3 per pound.

While Cullman has had more than its share of copper thefts over the years, Holmes said few if any of those equal the quarry theft.

“It is a significant copper theft in the area,” Holmes said.

Holmes noted that due to the size of the theft, those involved are probably experienced thieves.

“A theft of this significance ... I think they’re probably involved in some other thefts,” he said. “But so far, I can’t link them to anything in this county.”

Anyone arrested for the crime will be charged with theft of property in the first degree and burglary in the third degree. First-degree theft is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison while third-degree burglary is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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