Arrests Made In Scrap Metal Thefts
Published 4:19 pm Tuesday, March 26, 2013
BUCKINGHAM – A press release issued on Thursday afternoon by Sheriff William G. Kidd, Jr., advised that on March 19, the Buckingham County Sheriff's Office concluded a yearlong investigation into scrap metal thefts that have occurred throughout the county.
“The thefts began in January 2012 and continued until last week. In all, a total of seven identified cases have been solved that predominately targeted commercial and industrial facilities in Buckingham County,” reported the BCSO in the release.
According to the press release, “The investigation identified three adult males and two sixteen-year-old juveniles as responsible parties in the thefts. A total of 36 felony warrants and 20 misdemeanor warrants were issued against all with a cumulative loss of $167,000 in replacement costs of machinery, equipment, and parts specific for industrial use.”
The release noted, “The Sheriff's Office was successful at recovering some of the stolen items which were later returned to their owners.”
According to the information provided by the BCSO, two of the suspects are currently being held at Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville; and, another was released on bond pending a future court date.
In the press release, Sheriff Kidd reminded, “Those who participate in stealing from our community will be vigorously sought after and brought to justice.” He added, “Those dealing in legitimate scrap metal are strongly encouraged to have a written contract with the property owner detailing the items to be removed as well as any other terms.”
Concluding, the press release noted, “The felony offenses carry a minimum of one year in prison with up to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. All misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum punishment of up to a year in jail.”