Man Allegedly Stole Scrap Copper, Brass in Steel City Burglary

A 54-year-old man is charged with felony burglary, felony criminal trespassing, misdemeanor theft and misdemeanor receiving stolen property after police say he allegedly stole metal drums filled with copper from a property in the 2700 block of Riverside Drive, Steel City, Lower Saucon Township, over the summer.

In a post published Tuesday on the township police department’s Crimewatch website, police said John Francis Struble, no address provided, allegedly forced his way into a building where the 55-gallon drums were in storage and stole them, along with five-gallon buckets containing scrap brass.

The theft of the metal valued at approximately $1,000 was reported to police Aug. 13.

Police said that while investigating the case, Struble “became a suspect” and later “admitted to the burglary.”

Following a preliminary arraignment before District Judge Alan Mege Tuesday, Struble was committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $10,000 straight bail, according to court records.

A preliminary hearing for Struble is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 12:15 p.m. at District Court 03-2-04 in Lower Saucon Township, according to records.