Could scrap metal thieves be targeting your neighborhood's sewer grates?

SANATOGA PA – The problem of scrap metal thefts has finally reached the streets of Lower Pottsgrove Township … literally.

Acting Police Chief Michael Foltz recently told the Board of Commissioners the latest such thefts monitored by his department involve the disappearance of sewer grates and manhole covers, although he did not specify locations. Those crimes pose significant safety hazards, he noted.

But they’re not isolated incidents. In fact, Foltz reported, his department is seeing an increase in the theft of metals of all kinds from all places – vacant homes, auto repair facilities, even electrical substations – primarily for their resale value. Bad guys offer them to recyclers, who are paying top dollar for a variety of metal goods.

The Center For Problem-Oriented Policing said there continues to be a high and international demand for four nonferrous metals: aluminum, copper, nickel and zinc. Prices paid for such scrap remains “historically high,” and many sources of metals are usually unguarded, allowing crime to thrive, it indicated.

The department filed charges during April for an alleged theft of motor parts from Lindley Motors, 10 S. Sanatoga Rd., against a subject who Det. Joseph Campbell claimed had stolen them after business hours for their scrap metal value.

Campbell also is involved in what Foltz described as a “lengthy, ongoing investigation,” in cooperation with PECO Security and Limerick Township Police, of suspects who are alleged to have been stealing copper ground wiring from local Philadelphia Electric substations during the “past couple years.”

Residents with information on these or other crimes can call the department directly at its non-emergency telephone number, 610-326-1508, or leave a message at its anonymous tipster telephone number, 610-323-1130.

Related:

• Cops: Theft Of Scrap Metal Becoming An Epidemic (Roy’s Rants, April 30, 2012)

Related (to the Lower Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners’ May 7 meeting):

• Theft Hits Township Streets; Covers, Grates Disappearing
• Hanging Tag Means Township Police Were On Patrol
• Township Fixes Paperwork ‘Ooops’ With A Penstroke
• Every Bit Helps: Items’ Sale Brings Township Revenue
• Early Warning: Town Commissioner Ponders SRO Costs
• Township’s Business-Friendliness Topic In Church Project
• Township Names Goodwill Ambulance First Responder
• Yerger Road Fatal Crash In March Ruled As Accidental
• Township Meeting Set For Monday, Despite Road Trip