Crime

Suspect stole copper downspouts worth $10,000 from stores in SLO. Do you know him?

The San Luis Obispo Police Department is searching for a person who stole $10,000 of copper downspouts from the Irish Hills Shopping Center on July, 10, 2024.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department is searching for a person who stole $10,000 of copper downspouts from the Irish Hills Shopping Center on July, 10, 2024.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department is searching for the person who stole $10,000 worth of copper downspouts from stores in the Irish Hills Shopping Center late Wednesday night, the agency announced in a post on X.

At about 11:30 p.m., the suspect ripped at least 40 downspouts from the outside of the buildings, police spokesperson Christine Wallace said. A downspout is a vertical pipe that moves water out of a building’s gutter.

At least 10 businesses were effected by the theft, she said. The shopping center includes Costco, Old Navy and Home Depot.

The stolen downspouts ranged from “a few feet” to 30-feet long, Wallace said.

People with information about the theft can call the investigating officer at 805-594-8093 or Crimestoppers at 805-594-STOP. Reference the case number 240715061 when discussing the theft with police, the agency said.

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Stephanie Zappelli
The Tribune
Stephanie Zappelli is the environment and immigration reporter for The Tribune. Born and raised in San Diego, they graduated from Cal Poly with a journalism degree. When not writing, they enjoy playing guitar, reading and exploring the outdoors. 
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