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In a brazen daylight heist, thieves stripped approximately $50,000 worth of copper from an old vacant building in California, prompting an urgent investigation by the local authorities. The Merced Police Department (MPD) reported that the theft occurred over the weekend, casting a shadow on the safety of neighborhoods surrounding the site.
The building, long abandoned, had become a target for metal thieves amid rising copper prices. With electrical wiring and plumbing exposed, it provided an easy mark for criminals seeking a quick profit. Eyewitnesses described seeing a group of individuals loading large amounts of copper into what appeared to be a two-ton pickup truck. The brazen nature of the theft has left residents shocked and concerned about the deteriorating security in their area.
MPD officers were alerted to the scene shortly after the incident, but the thieves had already made their getaway. “It’s disheartening to see a crime like this in our community, especially when it goes unreported for so long before action can be taken,” stated Officer JaneDoe, a spokesperson for the MPD.
In response to the incident, MPD is urging the public to report any suspicious activity or individuals seen near vacant structures. The rise in scrap metal thefts is becoming a concerning trend, impacting property owners and local businesses alike. Residents are advised to keep vigilant and to notify law enforcement if they observe unusual behavior or trespassing.
As the investigation continues, the MPD is examining surveillance footage from nearby businesses in hopes of identifying the suspects involved. Anyone with information related to the theft is encouraged to contact the Merced Police Department.
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