SAPD needs help identifying copper burglar who poses as a maintenance worker

Santa Ana Police Department Advisory: Detectives request assistance in identifying suspect who poses as maintenance worker to commit theft of copper from business

Detectives request the media and publics assistance in identifying suspect who poses as maintenance worker to commit theft of copper from business.

The suspect commits theft of copper pipe from a business during hours of operations. The Victim, Legal Aid Society of Orange County located at 2101 North Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, located surveillance footage for the building and discovered the theft occurred on Saturday, July 13th, 2013 at approximately 1445 Hrs.

The surveillance footage depicts an unknown Caucasian male in his mid-40’s to early 50’s, white beard, pull into the parking lot in a blue/gray, newer model, Ford F150 quad-cab with McCoy Mills paper plates. The suspect parked to the rear of the building near the roof access ladder. The suspect placed his own ladder adjacent to the locked roof access ladder to bypass the blocked portion. The suspect climbed onto the roof and, using tools, removed 140’ of 1” copper pipe, 130’ of ¾” copper pipe, and miscellaneous copper and metal fittings which were connected to the eight air conditioning units.

Detectives believe this is the same suspect who has committed similar crimes in the Cities of Fountain Valley (3), Cypress (1), and Orange. The vehicle, suspect description and MO are all similar. Detectives believe there may be other victims who are unaware their property has been taken. In the case in Santa Ana, the crime was not detected until there was work required on the building.

Detectives request anyone who can provide information on the suspect or suspect vehicle contact Orange County Crime Stoppers 1-855-TIP- OCCS

Video available, contact Police Department PIO Anthony Bertagna
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