Copper caper investigated by New Castle police

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — City police are investigating a rash of copper thefts over the last several days.

Police Chief Tom Sansone said he does not believe the thefts are related. Since Thursday, police have investigated six thefts of copper and other metals from both homes and businesses.

Copper prices have steadily risen over the last few years and harvesting it has become a cottage industry throughout the region.

Last July, there was another rash of copper theft in New Castle and everything from heavy industry to small businesses in homes were hit.

At that time, copper was being bought by area scrap dealers for $2.20 to $2.50 per pound. It’s now going for $2.76 to $2.96 per pound depending on the grade of copper.

This past week, city police were called to three homes and three businesses that were missing copper pipes and other metals.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.