Two thieves tore out 40 feet of copper pipe from underneath Land’s End Gift Shop on Bailey Island, causing a dangerous propane leak at the business, according to its owner.
The theft occurred around 1 a.m. on Nov. 12, according to media reports and a Facebook post by Land’s End owner Karen Hutchins.
She told Portland news outlet WGME that at least 200 gallons of propane leaked out of the severed pipe over a period of several hours before she realized what had happened.
“The propane was spilling out, and actually rising up towards the building,” Hutchins told WGME.
On Facebook, Hutchins shared security camera images of two men pulling up the copper pipe from underneath her business. “This could’ve led to a catastrophic situation,” she wrote.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Courtney George said the theft is under investigation, but law enforcement hadn’t identified the suspects as of Nov. 18.
George said the black-and-white security camera images are helpful, but it was still unclear whether the footage would lead to arrests. She said it’s unusual for thieves to steal copper pipe from a home or business in Harpswell.
Copper pipe is stolen for its scrap value. Despite the danger and extensive damage it causes for victims, WGME quoted a local scrapyard owner who said 40 feet of used copper pipe is only worth about $50 or $60.
Anyone with information about the crime is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 207-774-1444.
Harpswell Fire Administrator and Emergency Management Agent Mike Drake said local emergency responders learned about the incident from the news.
Drake said anyone who suspects a propane leak should call 911 immediately, because the gas may already be in the flammable range by the time an odor is noticeable.
