Copper thieves hit five schools in Hacienda Heights

Thieves with a penchant for copper wire have hit five schools in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District since November. In an effort to stop the copper culprits, the school district is
offering a $2,000 reward and partnered with WeTip.

The reward is for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief or
thieves.

District officials think the thieves are hitting campuses after school hours.

Sergio Cazorla, coordinator of risk management for the district, said
that typically, said the estimated damages per school ranged from
$5,000 to $15,000.

“We’re already strapped for cash and for these people to steal copper
wire from a school. It’s saddening,” he said. “We want to put an end to
the thefts.”

The unidentified suspects struck at Newton Middle School, 15616
Newton St. in Hacienda Heights, Los Robles Academy, 1530 Ridley Ave. in
Hacienda Heights, Cedarlane Academy, 16333 Cedarlane Drive in Hacienda
Heights, Sunset Elementary, 800 N. Tonopah Ave. in La Puente.

School Police Chief Anthony Argott said the most recent theft
occurred at Orange Grove Middle School, 14505 Orange Grove Ave., on Jan.
3.

Cazorla said they have no description of the thieves.

“We have no information so we really needhelp,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME. Tips can also be left


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online at www.WeTip.com.