LEBANON - Metal thieves struck the Lowe's construction site northwest of Lebanon twice within the past week, hauling off nearly $20,000 worth of copper wire and welding lead.

Last Tuesday, Lowe's officials reported the loss of about $400 worth of 3/8-inch copper wire, cut from 15 different areas of the construction site.

A week later, officials reported the loss of 4,500 feet of ought-2 welding lead, valued at $19,350.

"We're beefing up security right now," said Regional Superintendent Tim Hettich. "The electricians were ripped off last week and now this. We've requested more police patrols in the area."

Lowe's Home Improvement is building a 1.4 million-square-foot regional distribution center northwest of Reeve's Parkway in Lebanon.

Democrat-Herald