Kansas Plant Thieves Take $100,000 in Tools, Copper Wire

Police say thieves cost a south Wichita pavement recycling center more than $100,000.

The theft at the Cornejo plant occurred sometime Monday night or early Tuesday. The plant crushes old highway pavement into small rock for new pavement.

Plant supervisor Jon Lewman says the thieves cut through a lock, shut off the power to the plant and began stripping out copper wire. They also took tools, tanks for acetylene torches and other items.

Lewman said the thieves also ruined a motor valued at $60,000.

KAKE-TV reports the plant will be closed for up to two weeks.