Friday, September 30, 2011

A not happy jolly Santa Claus look-alike

This was taking copper theft to a whole new level.


East Alton Copper Gang led double lives
CBSSt. Louis -

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – They were married with kids — six men who held down decent jobs, until co-workers wondered how they could  afford fancy trips, new vehicles and the latest riding lawn mowers.

The six are now charged with taking part in an elaborate copper-theft ring, targeting an East Alton, Illinois industrial plant that reports $7 million in  missing copper over a three-year period.

“Most of them were reported to be living way above their means,” said East Alton Police Major Brian Archer, “Large trips, lots of vehicles, motorcycles, expensive lawn mowers and different types of things.”

The rest of the story: