A run on copper

Not that this is new news, but this week the theft of copper pipes seems more pronounced than usual, especially on the West Side, where I've typed in at least three or four briefs about someone finding pipes gone and a basement full of water.

The common thread is a vacant home. Once of those pop up, you can just fill in the date and time on the police report for a break in.

I've asked around to see if the latyest uptick on the West Side are all isolated incidents or part of one big ring, but no one seems to know yet.

Although this does not seem like a big deal, the number of people arrested on burglary and breaking and entering charges clogs the court system and backs up more important cases. Just when this epidemic ends is unclear -- probably as soon as the price of copper begins to go down.