Montgomery County police are warning residents about a series of thefts of copper gutters and downspouts from homes in Bethesda, Potomac and Rockville.
Detectives are investigating 26 incidents that occurred between Nov. 1 and Tuesday, according to a county police news release.
The copper materials are sought after because of they are easily accessible and command a relatively high resale value at commercial recycling and scrap metal centers.
Many of the thefts have occurred inside the Beltway, along River Road, and south to the Potomac River and the Maryland/D.C. line, the release said. The thefts have occurred at all times of day and night.
A late model beige, bronze or gold pickup truck has been seen at or near the site of several of the thefts, including in a victim's driveway.
In a few instances residents confronted the workers, who claimed to be conducting work for a gutter company before leaving without further confrontation, the release said.
Anyone with information about these incidents or the suspect or suspects is asked to call the Motngomery County Police Department's 1st District Investigative Section at 240-773-6084 or the 2nd District Investigative Section at 301-657-0112.
Anyone who witnesses similar suspicious activity is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.
I would think 5 would cause alarm. I hope they're checking scrap yards.
The police need to start working with all the local scrap metal companies and recycling transfer stations to make damn sure thieves are not being given money for stolen items!!