Thieves strike copper at LCEC substation
Taking their time and making three separate trips, a trio of thieves recently stole more than $40,000 in copper cable, removed methodically over the course of nearly eight hours at a Cape Coral Lee County Electric Cooperative substation.
On June 23, three men made several trips back and forth to the LCEC substation, at 2407 S.W. Pine Island Road, between 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. On each trip, the men were caught on security cameras moving approximately 1,200 pounds of copper, piping and connectors from LCEC’s private property and onto trucks and SUVs.
One of the men even wore a safety vest, most likely to give the appearance that they were employees working at the substation.
Cape police detectives said the men gained access to the property by initially cutting the chain on the gate, then making their way in and out with ease throughout the day.
“While they may have tried to play the role of LCEC employees, they absolutely were not,” Trish Routte, the Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers coordinator, said. “So we’re hoping someone who was in that vicinity and saw the men that day may be able to shed more light into their identity and whereabouts.”
Anyone with information on the men, their whereabouts or where they may have sold the copper, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Tips may also be made online at: www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.
Source: Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers