Newark Police Seek Leads In Copper Pipe Stolen From 16 Apartments

NEWARK, NJ — Police in Newark are calling on the public to help identify a man they say broke into a closed building earlier this month and stole copper piping.

In a news release, police said a man entered the building at 495 Washington Street some time between 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 7 a.m. the following morning.

The man laid waste to the building, stealing piping from 16 of the building's 18 apartments and leaving behind water damage in several units.

The man was seen in security footage wearing black jeans, black sneakers, a gray jacket and a blue backpack. Authorities noted he walks with a heavy limp.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newark Police Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-695-8477. Tips can also be made anonymously through the department's website or using the Newark Police smartphone app.