Oct 20, 2014 2 min read

The owners of vacant homes for sale in the North Strabane Township area, as well as their agents, are being advised to keep a close check of the properties after several were broken into and copper pipes were stolen.

Township police Sgt. David Richards advised homeowners not living in a house they are selling to check it on a regular basis after getting reports of houses up for sale being burglarized. The homes were in different areas of the township.

On Friday, police took a report of a rear door pried open. The real estate agent went to the basement and discovered the copper supply lines were cut. Two days later, it was discovered copper pipe was stolen from the ceiling of a second residence.

“Be aware that if you have the house listed, you need to keep an eye on it,” Richards said. “Officers in our department will also be checking out these houses up for sale.”

Richards said he was also talking with Realtors, advising them not to include information about the house being vacant on any website posting.

“Homeowners and agents need to be conscientious,” Richards said. “Burglars are finding ways to benefit from information on the Internet.”

Earlier this month, Canonsburg police also received a report of a vacant residence that was burglarized.

Not only did the thief steal copper pipes, but also took a turkey and dozens of wedding cookies that were stored in a basement freezer.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity around houses that area up for sale should call 911.