Albany police on lookout for copper reported stolen from railroad

ALBANY — Officials with the Albany Police Department said they are on the search for a “large amount” of stolen copper that was reported taken from a railroad facility on Mitchell Avenue.

Georgia Florida Railroad reported a criminal damage to property incident Thursday that took place on the 1500 block of Mitchell Avenue. Phyllis Banks, a spokeswoman for APD, said that between Saturday and Wednesday, entry was made into a switch box belonging to the railroad. Once inside, copper from all the relay switches was taken.

Banks said approximately $500,000 worth of damage was caused to the switch box, as stated from a railroad employee that reported the box was open. The switch box is approximately 25 yards away from the road. Detectives are currently checking all nearby recycling centers while following up on any tips to see if anyone has recently brought in a large amount of copper.

There are no cameras in the area near the switch box, so detectives will check warehouses in the area to see if they have cameras that may have captured a vehicle entering and exiting the area. There are no known suspects or witnesses in this case at this time, Banks said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Albany Area CrimeStoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477) or the APD at at (229) 431-2100.