Scrap-Metal Thieves Super-Sizing By Swiping Boat, Big-Rig Trailers: Police
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Go big or go home, the saying goes. Some scrap-metal thieves are taking that expression to heart, police say.
CBS 2's Brad Edwards reports.
The latest salvo of bigger and better scrap thievery was on display on the South Side Friday: Five pulverized tractor trailers and a stolen boat were located at Englewood Used Auto Parts.
This latest bust came after the arrest of Eddie Watson, 46, who was caught stealing a tractor trailer, police said.
That led authorities to Englewood and the scrap yard in the 600 block of West 59th Street. A man at the Englewood scrapyard's gate declined comment.
The bust comes weeks after police discovered several stolen and scrapped CPS school buses. It's not just about stolen manhole covers and copper wiring anymore.
Chicago Police Cmdr Eugene Roy says thieves are going big for a larger payout.
"Scrap metal prices are about $250 a ton," Roy explains. "A big trailer can be 5 to 7 tons."
Watson is charged with felony aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle and misdemeanor fleeing and eluding, among other offenses.
