Scrap metal thieves damage Mukilteo firm’s equipment

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

September 02, 2016 10:37:16 PM

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): A Mukilteo engineering firm that was hit by scrap metal thieves earlier this week now is waiting on a final damage report.

In addition to stealing 200 feet of copper wire, the suspects also apparently damaged the company’s $800,000 industrial laser cutter, said Colin Chadwick, president of Terrene, Inc., at 4212 Russell Road.

“I have technicians flying in to assess the damage,” he said Thursday. “Crossing our fingers that it isn’t too serious.”

The company has been in Mukilteo since 2010. It employs 10 people, at least three of whom have lost work hours due to the damage, Chadwick said.

The crime was discovered about 5 a.m. Wednesday and was captured on surveillance video. The company shared those images in hopes of garnering tips for Mukilteo police.

“We’re in the preliminary stages of investigating,” officer Myron Travis said.

The suspects apparently began casing the business not long after midnight, Chadwick said.

The copper wiring fed into the shop’s machinery, which is used to cut parts for businesses in industries including biotechnology and aerospace, Chadwick said.

Tips can be made anonymously to police at 425-263-8100. Chadwick hopes new information could help lead to arrests.

“That’s my whole goal,” he said.

Courtesy: www.heraldnet.com