Spencer Homeowner Catches Suspected Copper Crook On Camera

Police say a group of burglars broke into a Spencer barn, and a security camera captured some clear pictures of one of the suspects.

Spencer Police Chief Virgil Green says the break-in happened Monday, November 4, around 3 p.m. Several suspects broke into a shop in a barn in the 5900 block of N. Douglas. They stole a large amount of tools and about 300 pounds of copper. They also tore the copper from several air conditioning condensing units.

The property owner didn't discover the theft until three days later. Fortunately, he'd just installed surveillance cameras. The camera captured clear images of one of the suspects. Police say in one photo, he's seen speaking on his cell phone and appears to be in no rush to leave. He also looks straight into one camera. After that, power to the camera is cut.

The suspect is a black male who was wearing a purple hoodie and matching sweat pants that had been cut into shorts. Surveillance cameras also recorded two other burglary suspects, but their images were not clear.

Spencer Police say there have recently been several burglary reports within a two square mile area. Anyone with information about the crimes should call the Spencer Police Department.