Crime & Safety
Man Charged with Stealing Copper From Columbia Businesses
The 30-year-old man was arrested Thursday and charged in connection with three incidents of copper theft.
Richland County deputies arrested a 30-year-old man Thursday who they say stole copper from businesses in the Shop Road area on three occasions in March.
Marko Adam Gilmore is charged with three counts of unlawful transportation/possession of non-ferrous metals in a vehicle and three counts of receiving stolen goods.
Deputies say that on March 16, Gilmore stole copper wiring from the air conditioning units at Advance Door Systems on Key Road. The wiring was worth about $4,000.
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Gilmore also stole copper wiring from air conditioning units at McWaters Incorporated on Shop Road on March 13, according to the sheriff's department. That wiring was worth about $2,200.
Deputies say Gilmore caused $10,000 in damage to an air conditioning unit at Second Union Baptist Church on March 11 when he stole copper wiring from it.
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Gilmore was arrested Thursday on Andrews Road. A Crimestoppers tip led deputies to him.
Anyone with information about anyone stealing or selling stolen copper should call 1-888-CRIME-SC.
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