Dalton police looking for copper thieves

Monday, April 2, 2012

photo This still from a surveillance video shows two masked men who broke into a Mohawk Industries building at 300 Brookhollow Industrial Boulevard, in Dalton. The men broke into the building three times, stealing copper wire and causing property damage.

Dalton, Ga., police are asking for help in identifying two masked men that broke into the same industrial building three times last month.

All three incidents happened at Mohawk Industries, 300 Brookhollow Industrial Boulevard, in Dalton, police spokesman Bruce Frazier said. The first recorded incident was reported on March 9. Though the suspects didn't get away with any wiring, they caused over $2,000 of damage trying to force their way in then strip wiring behind two electrical panels, Frazier said.

The second incident was reported March 14, when the two men stole 300 feet of copper wire and other items, all of which were later found in the woods nearby, Frazier said. The two men also left a scissor lift inoperable after trying to hotwire it, Frazier said.

The last reported break-in was March 23, where the two burglars stole the copper wire they left behind the last time, Frazier said. No new wire was stripped.

Surveillance cameras recorded the two men during their last intrusion. Both suspects wore jeans and masks, and one was caught on camera wearing a jacket with a distinct yellow stripe down one sleeve, Frazier said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ricky Long at 706-278-9085, ext. 168.