Four thefts and an apparent theft attempt have occurred at construction sites on De Anza College campus.Police suspect an attempt to steal steel flex connectors and company tools that were found abandoned on the other side of an enclosed construction site.

The total amount of stolen property equals $15,095 from the construction companies.The thefts include copper pipe and wire – which was used to run electricity to the construction trailers – several power tools. The first theft was reported on

Jan. 18. The latest one was the attempt, which was reported on Feb 1. All thefts were reported between 6 – 8 a.m.

Both Police Chief Ron Levine and Project Superintendent for Amorso Construction Charles Pepper confirmed all of the items stolen were property of the contractors and that the theft does not have any effect on De Anza’s budget. “[Thefts] happen occasionally but not as much as it has happened here,” Pepper said.

Copper is a common item stolen from sites due to its value, often by homeless people who are referred to as “recyclers,” according to Pepper. Authorities have no leads or suspects.

The De Anza police told Pepper they are on campus until midnight, while Pepper said he usually arrives to the site at about 5:30 a.m. every day. He suspects the thefts occurred between midnight and 5 a.m.

Pepper said these frequent thefts do not affect Amoroso’s relationship with De Anza. “It goes with the territory,” Pepper said. “We will usually hire our own security and take care of it. It is our problem.”

Pepper declined to comment on the type of steps Amoroso would be taking to prevent future thefts.In terms of getting the job done for De Anza, Pepper said it affects the company’s morale.

“It slows us down a little bit,” said Pepper. “In general, it won’t affect the overall scheme of things because we have to stay on track,” he said. “It’s more of an inconvenience.”

Amoroso plans on working at De Anza until October when projects are scheduled to be finished.