The Sacramento Police Department is investigating several thefts of copper to local businesses.

On Monday, November 29, 2010, at 8:10 p.m., in the 3300 block of Northgate Boulevard, copper was removed from multiple air conditioning units on the rooftop of the strip mall.

On Friday, November 26, 2010, sometime during the night, in the 3200 block of Truxel Road, copper was again removed from multiple air conditioning units on the rooftop of the strip mall.  

In both cases, the removal of the copper caused several hundred-thousand dollars worth of property loss/damage. Despite the similarity in these crimes, it is unclear if these incidents are related.  

From September 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009, only 23 copper thefts were reported. During that same time frame of this year (2010), we have had 63. The increase in this type of theft is concerning.  

Detectives hope that someone may have seen or heard something on the above dates, in the corresponding areas, and will come forward with the information needed to identify the suspect(s).

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.