Police Seek Suspects Involved in Scrap Metal Theft From Lacey Business

Police are looking for suspects involved in a theft from a business located in the Lacey Business Park.

It was reported during the early morning hours of Feb. 9, two males stole three air conditioning condenser units from a Lacey business.

The total value of the stolen items is $1,500 and the suspects caused $300 in damage to a vehicle at the scene as well.

Officer Paul Sullivan responded to the scene on Feb. 11.

The Lacey Township Police Department is looking for information on the identity of the thieves and information on a dark colored, older model Jeep Cherokee that was used to facilitate the theft.

Anyone with information can contact Sullivan at 609-693-6636, ext. 2577 or enter an anonymous tip on the Lacey Township Police Department’s “Crime Tip” function of the department’s website at laceypd.org.

Police have reported that such thefts have become more common as the stolen metals are sold for a fraction of their value as scrap. Residents are asked to be alert and report suspicious activity.

Capt. David Paprota provided the following information on similar thefts: 

Feb. 8
Officer Robert Flynn arrested Christopher Dangler, 33, of Forked River for stealing two silver bars valued at $800 from Fast Cash on Route 9. Dangler was charged with shoplifting, processed and released. 

Feb. 8
Officer Paul Sullivan responded to a Chelsea Street home for a report of a theft. It was reported that during the overnight hours between Feb. 7 and 8, an unknown person stole a Kenmore air conditioning condenser valued at $500 from the side yard. 

Feb. 7
A resident of Lakeside Drive South in Forked River reported that sometime during the prior three weeks, someone stole approximately $300 worth of copper piping from the backyard of the home. 

Feb. 6
Matthew Michota, 21, of Lanoka Harbor, Joseph Sinopoli, 20, of Lanoka Harbor and Christopher Therien, 20, of Lanoka Harbor were arrested in relation to a theft. 

A resident of Bullard Avenue reported that between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., someone removed a portable air conditioner and an extension cord from the exterior of the garage. The items were valued at $500.

Michota, Sinopoli and Therien were charged with theft of movable property and released. 

Feb. 6
A resident of Tampa Road reported that between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 6, someone stole approximately $300 worth of a white “knob and tube” copper wire. The copper was originally stolen from the driveway. 

Feb. 6
A Clairmore Avenue resident reported that between the hours of 2 p.m. on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 someone stole approximately $1,200 worth of property from the fenced yard and unlocked shed. The items included two boat propellers and power tools.