NIAGARA FALLS – A Cheektowaga construction firm doing heating and air conditioning work at Harry F. Abate Elementary School at 1625 Lockport Street, told police Monday that some time over the weekend someone cut a hole in the fence and cut the locks on the trailers that served as their offices. Once inside the thief or thieves stole about 300 copper fittings that were valued at $5,000.
The owner of Quackenbush Co. told police that the copper fittings were individually bagged and labeled. In addition to the copper, a brand-new photo copier valued at $400 and a $200 flat screen monitor were stolen. The suspects were unable to enter the main storage unit which contained tools and additional copper and brass fittings. Loss and damages were estimated at $6,600.
The school principal told police that surveillance cameras show a dark green Chevrolet Blazer or GMC Jimmy in the area around 2 a.m. Saturday. Police said a similar vehicle has been spotted circling other school construction sites.