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Crime & Safety

Pair Facing Charges In $100,000 Copper Theft

Police in Milpitas arrest two suspects trespassing on a Montague Expressway commercial property.

Two people suspected in the theft of copper pipes and materials from a commercial building were arrested early Saturday by Milpitas police officers.

An officer checking a building on Montague Expressway about 3 a.m. noticed a man on the property wearing a headlamp on his forehead. Soon, the man started walking away from the building toward a nearby van. At the same time, officers also saw a woman running toward the same vehicle.

The pair got into the van and tried to drive away, but officers stopped them before they could leave the scene. Officers spoke with the suspects and found evidence linking them both to the theft of copper from the building.

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Because of its increasing value to recyclers, thieves have increasingly been targeting copper at construction sites and public buildings throughout the Bay Area during the past two years.

Arrested were Joann Joslyn, 45, of Sacramento, who was driving the van, and Michael Duran, 43, of Cupertino. The suspects are facing various charges including trespassing, vandalism, grand theft, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools.

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The theft and related damage to the building was later estimated by the property owner to be up to $100,000.

Anyone with information regarding this event or any other criminal activity occurring in Milpitas is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400. Anonymous tips can also be given by calling the crime tip hotline at 408-586-2500 or through the Milpitas Police Department website.

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