Cape Businesses Hit By Copper Thefts

Several businesses in the Cape St. Claire shopping center reported copper piping and wiring being stolen during the weekend.

Broadneck Grill owner Donna Duran said her restaurant, the Pizza Hut, House of Hunan II and Joy Luck IV all discovered copper materials were missing after the weekend. It was reported to Anne Arundel County police on Monday.

Police spokesman Justin Mulcahy said Eastern District detectives are currently investigating the crime.

"It appears that the incidents are related and all took place on one night," Mulcahy said.

Broadneck Grill's copper piping led to the restaurant from propane tanks, which operate most of its kitchen equipment. The perpetrator also left the gas running overnight, Duran said. The owner she didn't have an estimate on how much was stolen, but police told her it was quite expensive.

At least two videos captured footage of the perpetrator, Duran said.

"I hope they catch the guy," she said.

In September, police charged five men in a series of copper and wire thefts at businesses, abandoned homes, county parks and county schools. In July,  had been stolen from athletic fields at county schools, including Broadneck High School.