By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE — A copper coil was stolen from a vandalized exterior air conditioning unit Jan. 29 outside Andy’s Tackle Box, 17485 Dix Road.
The owner said a similar incident had occurred at the store in December.
Police officers found an abandoned multi-tool socket wrench in the alley. They then checked the area, and found the missing coil near a dumpster at a neighboring business. However, 10 minutes later, when the owner went back to retrieve it, the coil was gone.
Police officers found fresh footprints and tire tracks in the snow near where they had originally found the coil.
The police officers then checked out the business’ roof mounted units, and noted that they had been damaged, but the copper coils had not been removed. The business owner said he believes the thief will attempt to return to steal the remaining copper coils.