$40,000 in Platinum Stolen From a Big Furnace

Ever lost a button? What about one worth about a year's salary for many folks?

An employee of , at 1131 Arnold St., told police someone stole a button from inside a furnace being repaired at the business between 6 p.m. on Jan. 2 and 9 a.m. on Jan. 3.

But this was no ordinary button. It was made out of platinum and was estimated to be worth about $40,000, according to the employee.

Platinum is one of the rarest metals on Earth. Platinum is used in catalytic converters, lab equipment, some thermometers, jewelry and some electronics.

Platinum is trading at close to $1,500 per ounce this week.

The employee told police several contractors were working on the furnace.

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