Copper Thieves Strike Vacant Homes in Flossmoor

A suspect or suspects has been swiping copper piping from vacant homes in Flossmoor, according to police reports.

On Jan. 27, an unknown amount of copper piping was stolen from the basement of a vacant house in the 2800 block of Balmoral Crescent.

The real estate agent responsible for the property contacted police that day, after he checked the house and discovered that most of the copper piping in the basement had been cut and removed from the ceiling and water heater, the report stated. Police suspect the piping was taken between noon Jan. 20, and 12:28 p.m. Jan. 27, the report added.

The agent told police he was unsure how someone was able to get into the house, because all the doors were locked, and there were no signs of forced entry. Various contractors have access to the house. 

Prior to that on Jan. 22, about 80 feet of copper piping was stolen from the basement of a vacant property in the 3000 block of Scott Crescent, according to police reports.

The listing agent contacted police after contractors said piping had been taken from the house, the report stated. When police checked the basement, they noticed water on the floor, along with the water meter, the report added.

The real estate agent was able to indicate to police multiple points throughout the basement where copper piping was missing, the report stated, adding that the piping was probably stolen between midnight Jan. 20, to 3:50 p.m. Jan. 22.

The house’s front door did not appear to be damaged, but the house’s south-facing patio door had deep scratch marks on the deadbolt lock, and the door knob was missing, the report stated. Although the door was closed, it was not latched shut, and an officer was able to gently push open the door with a single finger, the report added.

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