Stolen copper leads to almost $6K in spoiled grocery meat

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The theft of some copper line resulted in a big loss for a local grocery store.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety received a call reporting the theft of some copper from the roof of the Food Giant on North Main Street about 8:49 a.m. Monday.

An employee of the store "noticed his coolers were not working, checked and found some copper missing," said Capt. Bill Mygatt of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

As the copper line was for a food-cooling unit, "they lost some product," Mygatt said.

Estimated losses so far include $5,862 worth of meat, 15 feet of copper line and three gallons of Freon valued at $248, and according to the Department of Public Safety report.

Individuals with information about this or any other crime are asked to call the Department at 573-471-6200 or the department's CrimeStoppers line, 573-471-1500. All tips may be kept confidential.