Subcontractor says several hundred dollars' worth of copper stolen from Oconomowoc job site

 

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A local subcontractor believes his latest project in Oconomowoc is now a victim of theft.

Erik Syvertson with EJS Construction told CBS 58 he's spent the last month or so fixing up St. Jerome Church on Main Street that is now being turned into Gymlingo Academy.

One of the biggest renovations? The shiny copper that lines part of top of the building.

"It really puts a pop to it, for sure," Syvertson said. 

On Friday, June 14, he covered the remaining copper with pallets to weigh it down, on a flat rooftop about 25 feet high before leaving for the weekend.

When he returned Monday morning, Syvertson said it was nowhere to be found.

"I'm frustrated and mad," Syvertson said. "It's crazy to me."

He added that the thief or thieves would've had to climb up the ladder, remove the pallets, and bring the copper back down without getting caught.

"It's still taking money out of our pockets," Syvertson said. "This is our livelihood."

Overall, he believes the copper was worth somewhere in the $500 to $600 range -- an amount that may not affect big corporations, but definitely impacts smaller local ones.

"That's a big blow," Syvertson said. “If you’re watching this, I’d really appreciate you just to bring the copper back, no questions asked.”