Man accused of stealing copper wire from hardware stores, selling at scrap yards

SLINGER --  A 26-year-old man was taken into custody Tuesday, November 7th  in connection with the theft of copper wire from hardware stores.

Police say 26-year-old Shawn Smith been stealing copper wire from hardware stores and immediately selling the stolen merchandise to two different scrap yards in the City of Milwaukee.

Police say Smith would place the merchandise under his sweatshirt, leave the store and put the items in his vehicle.

They say he would re-enter the store and steal additional merchandise.

Ace Hardware surveillance photo of Shawn Smith



Surveillance photo



Smith is accused of committing the thefts at Menards in Germantown as well.

Police say Smith had been using his father's vehicle, a white Toyota SUV.

Police searching for white Toyota SUV