Search for copper thieves in Trenton

TRENTON (WPVI) -- Thieves looking to make some easy money targeted a Trenton business for copper.

Steve Ettman McKay is the manager of Westside Pharmacy on N. Hermitage Avenue.

He's exasperated because for the second time in about 2 years, thieves have climbed to the top of the building and stripped the copper from seven different air compressors on the roof.

"They've actually opened up the compressors, taken out the insides and took off," McKay said.

The thieves then sell it to a scrap dealer.

Ironically, the building sits right across from a police substation.

McKay says replacing the damaged compressors has cost his landlord about $100,000.

McKay is also upset because when other stores closed or left this troubled neighborhood over the years, his family stayed to serve the community.

"We are trying to bring new businesses into the area and when people see this stuff like this going on they are reluctant to invest in the community," McKay said

Until the compressors can be fixed pharmacy employees have been working without heat, some dressed in coats and gloves to stay warm.

"I've been wearing extra sweaters, extra pants under my clothes, my gloves and my scarf," clerk Keyonna Pough said.

The building owner is offering a $2,500 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the copper thieves.

In the meantime, plans are underway to install rooftop security cameras, motion detectors, cages around the compressors and a six-foot fence topped by razor wire.

One pharmacy technician has a message for the copper thieves.

"Go get a real job, just like we do. We work 9 to 5. Go do like we do, honest living, legal," Tiffany Moore said.