Copper thief arrested in River Forest

Chicago man caught pulling downspout from home

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 3:12 PM

River Forest police arrested a 35-year-old Chicago man they said is responsible for five area copper downspout thefts on the same River Forest block between Jan. 20 and Feb. 4.

The man was observed by a resident removing copper downspouts from a home in the 800 block of Bonnie Brae around 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday. Patrol officers quickly located the man's vehicle and stopped it at Chicago and Harlem Avenues. Several large copper downspouts were recovered from the vehicle, as well as a 9-foot section identified as belonging to the victim.

After his arrest, the suspect allegedly admitted to previous copper thefts on the block within the past month. He was charged with one count of theft. Further charges may be forthcoming, River Forest police said.

River Forest Police Deputy Chief James O'Shea praised the resident for "having the courage to become involved," and reminded River Foresters to "remain vigilant and report any suspicious or illegal activity immediately."

Reader Comments

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Jim Coughlin from Oak Park, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: February 8th, 2013 1:15 PM

I'm hoping the suspect provides police with information on where he sold the cooper he admits to have stealing in the past. More effort needs to be focused on shutting down the businesses that accept stolen property.

Pat

Posted: February 8th, 2013 12:35 PM

How bout name and picture

RF Coppers Stop Copper Robber

Posted: February 7th, 2013 4:02 PM

Copper Robber busted quicker than a penny falling through a piggy bank.

muntz

Posted: February 7th, 2013 8:46 AM

We need to crack down on the scrap yards that accept these stolen copper spouts. What does the scrap yard owner think as he gets his daily influx of copper gutters? Mass remodeling and downgrading of materials? I would think the resale market for an old copper downspout would be greater than the scrap value. Of course, that would put the thief at risk.

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