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'Gutter Grabbers' Target Main Line Homes For Copper

PENN VALLEY, Pa. (CBS) -- A rash of copper thefts in Montgomery county has residents on alert.

They may not seem like your typical targets, but thieves in Montgomery County are looking for copper. Gutters and downspouts made of the precious metal are being stolen from people's homes along the Main Line.

Lower Merion Township Police have reported a significant increase in the thefts of copper downspouts and gutters being taken from homes throughout the area.

"I thought, 'I'm so far from the road, nobody's going to come in here,'" said Virginia Dean of Penn Valley, who recently fell victim to the rash of crimes. "I came out to cut the lawn and suddenly realized that I was missing downspouts. It's upsetting to think someone would just come here and do that."

The 'gutter grabbers' have hit several homes in the area, including homes in Saunders Woods and Mill Creek Road in Gladwyne and Righters Mill Road in Penn Valley.

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"The policeman came back and told me 'you know, you're not the only one,'" said Dean.

Police have a possible lead in this case. They are looking for a gray Ford Econoline truck with ladders on the roof rack and license plate YXB-1958.

If you have any information, please contact police.

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