Police investigate copper thefts from job sites MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Township Police Department is investigating four incidents of the theft of copper from two residential job sites in the Belford area of the township, according to a press release from the police department. On Feb. 27, March 7, March 10 and March 13, officers responded to houses under construction on East Road and Seventh Street when workers discovered that copper tubing had been stolen from the homes. The homes apparently were entered after workers had left for the day, since several witnesses reported activity in the homes after dark. Due to the increase in salvage prices of various metals, copper has become a favorite target of thieves looking for construction sites to burglarize. The total value of the copper taken at these sites is estimated in excess of $3,000. Detective Kimberly Best has been assigned to the follow-up investigation of the four thefts. Residents who live near homes under renovation or new construction are asked to report immediately any suspicious activity by calling theMiddletown Police Department at (732) 615-2100.