Alert Neighbor Leads Police to Copper Thief in Abandoned Home

A Meriden man is facing charges after an alert neighbor helped officers catch him in the act as he was attempting to steal copper wiring, pipes and other items from an abandoned home in the city, police said Wednesday.

Officers responding to a report of “suspicious activity” at an east side home arrived to find Stanley Raymond Haig, of 124 Atkins St., inside the home.

Haig, 50, was taken into custody on charges of second-degree criminal trespassing and third-degree larceny, first-degree criminal mischief and possession of burglar tools. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Aug. 5.

“This was an arrest we were able to make because of an alert neighbor and one of the reasons we advocate for people to be on the lookout for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods,” said Lt. Sal Nesci. “No one knows each neighborhood better than they do and they are more likely to identify suspicious behavior or people who don’t belong.”

According to police reports, the neighbor witnessed an unusual car parked outside and watched as a man later identified as Haig entered the abandoned home through a window, removing an air conditioner unit to gain access.

Police said he then proceeded to cut out or strip a variety of items, primarily consisting of copper wiring and piping. Stolen copper is commonly sold as scrap metal, police said, although many places will look to record names of those selling the metals.

Once police arrived, Haig was taken into custody without incident.

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