Copper building materials stolen from MU construction sites

COLUMBIA — Copper building materials were stolen from two MU construction sites during separate incidents on March 26 and April 1, according to the MU Police Department.

In the March 26 incident, about $20,000 worth of copper materials were stolen from the Discovery Ridge construction site on South Lenoir Street, near the Columbia airport. In the April 1 incident, about $19,000 worth of copper materials were stolen from a construction site near Eighth Street.

While it is unknown whether the crimes are related, both took place in the evening or early morning hours while the construction sites were closed, according to a news release from the MU Police Department.

Capt. Brian Weimer said in both cases, the materials had been locked up and were broken into.

Anyone with any information is asked to submit a tip on the CrimeStoppers Web site, 875tips.com, or call CrimeStoppers at 875-8477.