Police say since March thieves have stolen copper from areas throughout Los Angeles. A Chatsworth business was targeted Thursday night as were several other businesses along with it. The thieves hit this area stealing the pipes.
A piece of copper was left behind by thieves who stole the copper pipe and found the business on the 9600 block of Mason Avenue in Chatsworth. It cost the company at least $1,000 to replace the pipe and more.
Police believe the theft happened late Thursday night. The same night several other businesses, a block away were targeted.
Workers did not only replace pipe but they encased it in a metal box to prevent future theft.
Police say while they do not have hard crime statistics on the number of copper pipe thefts in the L.A. area, thefts appear to be on the rise over the last several years.
Business experts report with countries like China undergoing a growing boom demand for copper is up, yet supply is down, driving the price for copper higher and higher worldwide.
Police have been out since March investigating dozens of copper thefts in the L.A. area. They do not have any suspects. They believe there looking for several people.
If you have information about copper thefts in the area of Chatsworth or in other areas of L.A., call (877) 527-3247.
