Police release video of $50,000 copper-pipe theft in East Germantown

Philadelphia Police on Friday released surveillance video of a May 19 theft in which an unknown man forced his way inside a building currently being renovated at 5701 Kemble Ave. and spent an estimated six hours stealing copper pipes.

The unknown thief was reportedly inside the building from 1 to 7 p.m., cutting and removing large amounts of copper pipe.

According to police reports, property stolen from the property near the East Germantown/Ogontz line is valued at $50,000.

Police describe the man as being in his twenties with an athletic build and goatee. He was wearing a green shirt, blue jeans, dark-colored shoes, left-wrist brace and a necklace with a cross at the time.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the tipsline at (215) 686-8477, text a tip to 773847 or submit it via the police department’s website.