The Port Moody Police Department is searching for suspects after a massive metal theft at a business in the 2600 block of Murray Street earlier this month.
More than $40,000 worth of product was taken from a large shipping container, including 200 sheets of 5x12 aluminum valued at $200 per piece and at least 20 4x8 sheets of stainless steel.
"That is a substantial amount of metal," said Port Moody Police Department Const. Luke van Winkel. "Because there is so much money to be made, there are a lot of people who do this for a living."
The break-in occurred sometime between Oct. 28 and Nov. 2 and van Winkel said the thieves would have required a truck to move the metal. Investigators will be looking at surveillance footage to determine exactly how many people participated in the incident.
While copper wire thefts are common, van Winkel said it is rare to see such large volumes of brand new product being taken. That could mean that the list of potential buyers of the stolen metal is longer than usual.
"You would think if a truck showed up with 200 sheets of perfectly good aluminum to a scrap place, they would probably ask some questions," he said. "But who knows?"
Police are asking anyone with any information about the crime to call the Port Moody Police Department at 604-461-3456. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
