Copper plumbing stolen from vacant Lake County homes

Thieves have stolen copper plumbing or pipes from at least five vacant homes in northeastern Lake County, the sheriff's office said Saturday.

The sheriff's office has investigated the burglaries since Dec. 1. The thieves have forced open the front or rear doors to gain access to the homes, which are primarily in Beach Park and unincorporated areas near Wadsworth, Sgt. Chris Covelli said in an email.

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact the sheriff's office at (847) 377-4000.