Accused North Shore Copper Thief Charged

WHITEFISH BAY -- Police say that a man accused in multiple copper thefts in North Shore neighborhoods did it because he admitted to having a drug problem.

Andrew Bergeron of West Allis has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor theft and could face up to two-and-a-half years behind bars or up to $20,000 in fines, or both, if convicted.

According to his criminal complaint, Bergeron stole multiple copper downspouts and gutters from homes in the area as he was behind the wheel in a white Scott's Fertilizer van.

Police caught up with Bergeron on June 9 during one such incident:

June 9
Police responded to a home on the 4700 block of N. Wilshire Road Whitefish Bay on a report of a man driving a white Scott's Fertilizer truck had taken a copper downspout from the property without permission.

Police say at that location, an officer saw the defendant, later identified as Andrew Bergeron, and a white Scott's van.

After questioning, police arrested Bergeron after finding the copper pipe had been taken from the residence, police said.

The officer also found 11 other pieces of copper for a total value of $2018.75, his criminal complaint said.

June 7
Police say Bergeron admitted to stealing the copper downspouts from three locations off the house on the 1100 block of E. Lexington in Whitefish Bay.

Bergeron pointed out on a photograph of the house which downspouts he had taken, his criminal complaint said.

The downspouts totaled 23 feet and estimated value was $800, police said.

May 9

Bergeron also admitted to stealing two downspouts from a home on the 1500 block of E. Goodrich Lane in Fox Point, valued at $120, his complaint said.