Police Still Seeking Metal Theft Victim

The Salem Police Department is asking local businesses to check their inventories to see if the stainless steel tubing and hinged lids came from their facilities

Photo: Salem Police Department

(SALEM) - Salem Police Detectives are asking for help in locating what they believe to be the victim of an extensive metal theft.

On 12-18-06 Salem Police Officers responded to a report of a suspicious activity at Cherry City Metals after an employee called about a suspicious attempted metal sale.

Officers ended up arresting 28-year-old Arturo Acosta-Velazquez of Salem and 26-year-old Ruben Reyes-Celaya, a transient, for the misdemeanor of Fail to Maintain Metal Purchase Records pursuant to ORS 165. 107.

They were both cited and released.

These individuals brought in several large stainless steal hinged lids and several feet of 2" stainless steel tubing.

It is suspected that the stainless steel hinges/tubing had been stolen from a local business, likely a commercial food manufacturer.

The Salem Police Department is asking local businesses to check their inventories to see if the stainless steel tubing and hinged lids came from their facilities so that the suspected stolen metal can be returned.

Stainless Steel hinged lids: (4) stainless steel ½ round hinged lids approx 78" x 32"

Approx. 15' of 2" stainless steel tubing

Anyone with any information about the metal should call Detective Tom Johnson at (503) 588-6050 ext 7158.