The Ocean City Police Department is asking Ocean City property owners to be on the lookout for anybody seen stealing copper plumbing from the outside of homes.
Police have received a number of reports of copper thefts throughout the city, according to Capt. Steve Ang.
"This is a problem that occurs mostly with vacation homes where the outside showers and plumbing are removed from the property," Ang said. "These thefts usually go unnoticed for several months until the owners return to prepare their homes for the summer season."
Copper prices have increased by more than 500 percent since 2001, and copper thefts have totaled more than $1 billion in the same time period, according to statistics from the FBI.
Police encourage anybody who has been a victim to to report the crime at 609-399-9111.
Ang said the department also has seen an increase in unauthorized people collecting recycled waste materials that might contain copper — typically pipes and appliances. Only certain companies are authorized to make these collections. Police are asking for help identifying suspicious persons or vehicles collecting recyclables in Ocean City neighborhoods.
