WESTMORE — The Vermont State Police were called out to Westmore this morning to investigate a burglary.
The caretaker at 85 Old Ford Road notified police when he arrived at the residence at around 8 a.m. Monday, May 5.
The house belongs to Frederick Peterson, 75, of Colombia, South Carolina. The owner has been away from the home since October 2013.
Following the initial investigation, police are reporting that after entry was gained, the copper piping in the basement was removed. A Webber grill was taken as well.
Theft of copper pipes, tubing, and wiring has been on the rise in recent years due to the increased value for scrap copper. A wide assortment of building materials contain copper, including heating and air conditioning units, plumbing, gutters, electrical components, and more. The cost has increased from less than $1 per pound to over $4 per pound, with the average price around $3.
The US Department of Energy estimates that this once minor problem has exploded into $1 billion a year nightmare. Construction sites, abandoned buildings, and commercial heating and air conditioning units have been the biggest targets for these thieves.
The incident could have taken place anytime between October 2013 and today.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Vermont State Police.
