Woman suspected of stealing copper pipes

Costa Mesa police arrested a Fountain Valley woman on suspicion of stealing copper piping from a corporate building’s roof.

Leah Ann Vrab, 42, is scheduled to appear in court today on accusations that she was stealing hundreds of dollars’ worth of copper piping from a building off Corporate Drive and Hyland Avenue just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Vrab told police she had a work order to remove the pipe but was unable to produce one, Sgt. Bryan Glass said. Police arrested her on suspicion of grand theft and vandalism causing more than $400.

Copper thefts aren’t something new to Costa Mesa, or to authorities across the nation, Glass said.

Newport police recently arrested two burglars they linked to several copper thefts in the city, Sgt. Evan Sailor said. Criminals usually sell the copper to recyclers, he said.

“It’s worth more than taking newspapers or tin cans,” Sailor said.

— Joseph Serna