Connolly Foils Metal Thieves
Several weeks ago, a Connolly Properties employee meticulously measured, cut and installed new aluminum rain pipes on three garages behind the company's main office. But then along came a metal thief who ripped them all down to sell for scrap.As the recent heavy rains splished-splashed out of the gutters lacking downspouts, we wondered whether Connolly would replace the pipes, only to have them stolen again.
Eureka! The solution appeared in the form of PVC pipes - untraditional, but certainly not worth stealing.
Metal thieves have been stealing copper and aluminum in recent months for quick cash. Homes under construction or repair have had copper pipes removed, sometimes with the water still on, causing flooding. Bleachers, drainpipes and other aluminum objects have been taken from both city and suburban locations. Expect more such thefts as the economy declines.
--Bernice Paglia
posted by Bernice at 6:59 AM
3 Comments:
The Plainfield police should visit our local scrap yards and put pressure on those companies to not accept stolen property. The police should hold them responsible when stolen property is found on their premises.
At the church I attend, Grace, we recently had two bronze plaques that dedicated our gardens stolen. I cannot believe that the scrap company did not realize that this was stolen goods.
I realize this is not just a Plainfield problem but a national problem. So our police should take the lead in the solutions to controlling it. . . . . J. Spear, Plainfield
We really need to crack down on the recycling plants who are accepting these stolen goods. If it were TVs, Radios etc...the lawyer would hold the receivers of such goods accountable. Likewise in this case. Let's start taking names by way of bonifide IDs i.e. Dr. License of those bearing this valueable items. That should deter these unseemingly illegal activity...
There is a bill that passed the state senate in June (S1781) which would require scrap dealers to record certain information about each transaction they make and penalizes them for not doing so. These are measures we can take to help fight the theft of metal. Right now it is waiting in the Assembly Consumer Affairs committee, and hopefully it will be quickly passed when the legislature returns in the fall. To make sure this happens as soon as possible, we need to make sure that Jerry Green and Linda Stender know how important it is to Plainfield residents that this bill be passed and stictly enforced. After all, who want to have their gutters stolen?
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