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Copper Thieves Hit Churches
By: Associated Press
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Copper pipe thefts at seven southeast Ohio churches over the past week have caused heating and water problems for many of the facilities.
Chief Deputy Dave Valkinburg of the Hocking County sheriff's office says the stolen pipe is likely being sold as scrap metal.
At least five churches in the area reported that propane lines used to heat their facilities were damaged or taken.
Jerald Mundy of Pleasant Hill Church says he was trying to figure out why the furnace wasn't working properly ahead of Sunday service when he noticed that a 10- or 12-foot section of its propane line had been cut out.
Authorities are urging congregation members to keep an eye out for suspicious activity near their churches in the area.