Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating the theft of copper wiring valued at more than $50,000. The thefts occurred over a two-month period at the Killian Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant on Old Plank Road.

The first theft was reported on January 25 of this year. At that time, a spool containing 1,134 feet of copper wiring valued at $14,000 was stolen. On January 19, the suspects cut a chain link fence and stole a skid steer from a nearby site to remove the copper. The skid steer was found the same day near the intersection of June Dellinger Road and Old Plank Road.

The second theft was reported on February 8. Company officials said two rolls of copper wiring valued at $30,000 were stolen using a stolen lift from a nearby property. The lift was recovered, but the copper is still missing.

The third theft of copper was reported on April 7. $8,000 worth of copper was stolen from the site. Security cameras recorded two men placing the copper in the back of a pickup truck. One of the men was wearing a ski mask, but had numerous tattoos visible on his body.

Anyone with information regarding the thefts should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050, Lincoln County Communications at 704-735-8202, or Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909. Crime Stoppers tips leading to an arrest could result in a reward. Tipsters may remain anonymous.