Catchin’ the metal thieves before they can do more damage

On Dec. 12 – A business reported a large amount of fabricated steel, stolen. They reviewed their video surveillance and discovered two males loaded metal into a white Chevrolet Suburban two days prior.

Dec. 14 – Video of the theft shown on a Crime Stoppers segment on the local news.

Dec. 15 – I received a tip regarding who the suspect could be. I checked him through LeadsOnline and found three very large scrap tickets (just over 5,400 lbs) for Dec. 10. I pulled up the tickets and saw the photos of him and the vehicle that he was using. The vehicle and his clothing were the same as in the surveillance video and it was obvious as to his identity. I also checked LeadsOnline and ran the tag on the suspect’s vehicle. I located a ticket for Dec. 10, where an accomplice scrapped a large amount of metal (just over 1,800 lbs). In his photo, it showed a picture of both suspects, along with the white Suburban, still wearing the same clothing.

Dec. 15 – First suspect arrested at his residence for theft of property $1,000 to $5,000.

Dec. 18 – Second suspect arrested for a warrant that I had obtained for him for theft of property $1,000 to $5,000. The property was estimated at $3,500.00 but was not able to be recovered. There was not believed to be any additional damage.”

Cpl. Jeff Craghead
Property Crimes
Fort Smith Police Department
Arkansas