Police Nab Teens Stealing Pipes From Upper Milford Home

Count this as an apparent victory in the fight against scrap metal thieves.

Police reports have been plentiful in recent years with instances of stolen downspouts, grave markers, copper piping and wiring, and just about anything that can be sold to turn a quick buck. Rashes of these thefts are particularly common in a bad economy, and the thieves can be hard to catch because they often strike in secluded areas.

However, police this week arrested three juveniles at an Upper Milford Township home in an incident that might deter others.

The three boys -- a 17-year-old from Wescosville, a 15-year-old from Emmaus and the other unidentified in age or town -- parked a vehicle on grass by the residence in the 4800 block of Shimerville Road, according to . They entered by smashing a window pane on a rear door.

They began removing copper pieces and took them outside to the vehicle, police said.

Police did not say whether they came across the incident or it was reported, but they arrived in time to capture the first juvenile. The other two ran into woods behind the home. A second juvenile was caught soon after, police said. The third got away.

The initial trooper's car was assisted by state police from Fogelsville and Reading, police said. also assisted.

Police did not provide a damage estimate.