Jul 17, 2007 6:53 pm US/Central
Thieves Steal Copper From Dallas Rec Center
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Dozens of children in Dallas showed up at a recreation center Tuesday only to be turned away. The center was in disarray after thieves broke in overnight.
The thieves stole copper wiring from the John C. Phelps Recreational Center in the 3000-block of Tips Road.
Just after midnight the bandits climbed on the roof and cut the copper off of air conditioning units - then headed inside. The centers manager told CBS 11 News the thieves broke through a door and cut the copper cords on the hot water heater. They also cut the copper pipes over the bathroom, leaving a big mess.
Without air conditioning or water the manager was forced to cancel summer camp for about 80 children. On a day when the gym would normally be packed the rec center was practically empty.
Only a small group of students stayed around to beat the heat. One teenager said, "I had a headache while I was taking SAT prep classes. It's very hot in here."
There are surveillance cameras outside and inside the facility. Unfortunately they weren't a deterrent; in fact some wires to those cameras were cut as well.
Police say the surveillance video was too dark to see the thieves.
Activities at the recreational center will likely be cancelled for the next couple of days.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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