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Police in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, are alerting residents about a rise in copper thefts. The warning follows a significant theft at a Harrisburg church where thieves stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of copper piping. This incident forced the church to hold Easter Sunday services online.
The Susquehanna Township Police Department has received multiple reports of such thefts and is urging the public to be vigilant, especially around vacant or abandoned properties. They encourage residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.
Copper is a popular target for thieves due to its high resale value and ease of liquidation at salvage yards. The police department's statement, as reported by FOX43, emphasizes the importance of community vigilance.
A recent case involved Nathan Johnson, who was arrested for stealing copper pipes from Bethel AME Church in Harrisburg. He used a suitcase full of tools to commit the theft, causing about $180,000 in damage. Johnson is currently held at Dauphin County Prison on $30,000 bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 22.
Authorities are calling on residents to report any information about previous incidents to the Susquehanna Township Police Department at 717-652-8265.