It started by noticing an open gate.
In the wee hours of Aug. 30, UW Police Department officers interrupted three people in the act of stealing copper from the UW’s under-demolition Chemistry Library. The demo clears the way for the new Chemical Sciences Building.
The project site is securely fenced. At least it was when workers left the site.
Officers on patrol noted the open gate and investigated to find a pile of copper stacked inside with a large SUV parked nearby. They found three people in the act of taking more copper from the site. The trio, who are not affiliated with the UW, were taken into custody and will face charges, including for theft.
Copper theft has plagued not just UW, but, also, construction and infrastructure projects all over the Northwest.
Kudos to the officers for their awareness and smart intervention!