UPDATE: Copper Piping Stolen From Two Oxford Homes

Editor's Note: This is an update to a previous story published Monday; a second copper theft report has been filed with local police since Monday. 

Police are now investigating the thefts of copper pipes from two separate Oxford homes on Chestnut Tree Hill Road.

Once theft occured between Aug. 4 and Aug. 6; the other occurred between Aug. 31 and Aug. 9, according to news releases on file at the Oxford Resident Trooper's Office. Both homes were unoccupied, the reports state.

The thieves are believed to have forced entry into at least one of the homes, the reports state. Police say they are searching scrap yards to find the suspects.

Resident Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky said cooper thefts have become common in recent years.

Copper has been hot to steal because it has hit record high levels in recent years. It was selling for $3.93 per pound as of Friday, according to CNN Money. By comparison, in May 2009 it was seling for $1.90 per pound, a 108 percent increase, according to WikiAnswers.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oxford Resident Trooper's Office at 203.888.4354.